Job Information
WestRock Company Dir, Technical Accounting & Process Optimization in Atlanta, Georgia
The Finance and Accounting organization is a mission and results driven team that operates with a strong sense of collaboration to support the business, while utilizing our technical expertise, as we manage processes to record, reconcile, and report all financial activity of the enterprise. We bring financial context into the picture when partnering with the lines of business, senior and executive management, and our board of directors.
The Opportunity
The Director of Technical Accounting will lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of U.S. GAAP and SEC-compliant accounting policies across Smurfit WestRock\u2019s North American business units. This critical role ensures consistent, high-integrity financial reporting across our Mill, Converting, Treasury, and other functional operations. This leader will serve as the primary liaison with the Global Accounting Team in Dublin and play a key role in cross-functional governance, M&A support, internal controls enhancement, and process transformation initiatives.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock
Technical Accounting & Policy Leadership
Develop, maintain, and enforce accounting policies.
Articulate technical accounting concepts to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
Provide technical support to the Global Accounting Team on the conversion of IFRS policies to US GAAP as needed.
Lead the interpretation and resolution of complex accounting issues, including but not limited to revenue recognition, inventory, leasing, impairment, restructuring, and non-GAAP adjustments.
SEC and External Reporting Support
Assist with external reporting disclosures including 10-K/Q filings, MD&A, and earnings materials.
Ensure readiness for SEC comment letters and evolving disclosure trends.
Internal Controls & Compliance
Enhance SOX controls in partnership with Accounting Controllership and Internal Audit; strengthen documentation and walkthroughs of key processes.
Embed controls and automation into ERP systems, aligning with regional or global finance and accounting transformation initiatives.
M&A & Transactional Accounting
Advise on carve-outs, divestitures, and legal entity rationalization impacts.
Oversee purchase accounting, due diligence reviews, and post-deal integration for North America transactions.
Cross-Functional & Global Liaison
Interface with Global Finance & Accounting in Dublin to ensure consistent policy treatment and consolidation support.
Partner with Mill, Converting, Treasury, Tax, and Legal teams to advise on transactional accounting and compliance.
Emerging Areas of Focus
Support ESG-related financial reporting readiness (e.g., carbon accounting, green incentives).
Support process improvement, automation initiatives, and analytics to drive accuracy and efficiency in close cycles.
Talent Development
- Build a center of excellence for technical accounting, mentor high-potential talent, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
What you need to succeed
Bachelor\u2019s degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related field
Master\u2019s degree in Accounting preferred
CPA required
Big 4 or public accounting experience is highly preferred.
Minimum 10 years\u2019 progressive experience in technical accounting and reporting.
Expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC rules, and manufacturing industry complexities.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience working in or with global organizations, ideally with IFRS exposure and COSO internal controls.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability to draft high-quality accounting memoranda, white papers, and policy documentation, are essential.
What we offer:
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.
Smurfit Westrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Smurfit Westrock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.