Controller Associate

Controller Associate Join the Packaging Solutions NA Controller Associate Program! Are you an early career professional looking to develop your skills and become a Controller? Look no further! Our Controller Associate Program is designed to nurture and develop talent like yours. As part of a finance development program, this role is designed for a highly motivated finance professional who wants broad exposure to manufacturing operations and the opportunity to grow within IP’s finance organization. The position includes formal training, cross-site assignments, special projects, mentorship, and support for multiple facilities within a complex or region. Location Details: Immediate opportunities in Southern California. Physical Location: Flexibility to relocate in the immediate future and travel up to 50% as needed . Pay Rate: $65,100 - $95,500 Multiple factors, including individual experience, skills, and abilities, will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range. Variable pay may provide additional opportunities for financial awards. This job is eligible to participate in IP’s annual incentive plan. Category/Shift: Salaried Full-Time To explore more of our locations, please visit: https://www.internationalpaper.com/locations The Job You Will Perform: Program Highlights: 70/20/10 Development Model : Our program follows the 70/20/10 model of development, where 70% of learning is experienced-based, 20% is through social learning, and 10% is formal education. This ensures a comprehensive and practical learning experience. Knowledge Areas : Gain expertise in a wide range of areas essential for a successful career as a Controller, including the 5 Core Competencies. 5 Core Competencies : Analysis & Decision Support Business Leadership People/Team Development Internal Controls Support and Mentorship: Engage with Senior Leaders: Associates have the unique opportunity to meet and engage with senior leaders, gaining valuable insights and guidance. You will be supported in your development by: Manager of the Controller Associate Program Plant/Complex Controller Region Controller Area Controllers The Controller Associate provides accounting, financial analysis, operational support, and leadership development support within International Paper’s manufacturing finance organization. This role works under the direction of the Controller and partners closely with plant management, operations, supply chain, production teams, Region Controllers, and Finance leadership to turn operational and financial data into meaningful insights that support business decisions, improve performance, strengthen controls, and maximize financial return. Key Responsibilities as You Develop in the Program: Prepare and analyze operational results, customer profitability, capital projects, KPIs, and special projects. Provide financial insights related to production initiatives, inventory management, capacity utilization, freight, purchasing, cost to serve, and other operational drivers. Participate in month-end close activities, including preparation financial statements, accruals, reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and related analysis. Maintain familiarity with applicable financial policies, capital investment manuals, corporate accounting standards, and plant procedures. Ensure applicable internal controls are followed in each area of responsibility and help implement solutions to address control weaknesses. Partner with plant management, production, supply chain, customer service, purchasing, shipping, warehouse, and other cross-functional teams to understand operational drivers and identify improvement opportunities. Perform daily financial activities of the plant and support continuity of key financial processes across assigned facilities. Participate in formal training, cross-site learning, job rotations, special projects, and mentorship opportunities designed to build future finance leadership capability. Identify and propose solutions to business challenges, process inefficiencies, and control gaps. Build leadership capability by collaborating with exempt and non-exempt team members and, where applicable, mentoring or developing accounting staff. Prepare and deliver clear financial updates, variance explanations, project summaries, and recommendations to plant, complex, and regional leadership. The Skills You Will Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (at least 12 credit hours in Accounting) Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an Accounting or Finance role; experience in a converting facility is a plus Geographic flexibility and willingness to travel up to 50% during the training period Strong initiative and self-motivation, with excellent written, verbal, and active listening skills Proven ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to team success Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment Strong knowledge of general and cost accounting, including month-end close processes and financial statement preparation Experience with developing, maintaining, and assessing internal controls Strong analytical and financial skills, including budgeting, forecasting, KPI tracking, working capital management, and supporting special projects Familiarity with financial and operational information systems, preferably SAP Understanding of sales, marketing, and distribution processes Knowledge of quality improvement and manufacturing processes