Senior Corporate Audit Associate
Plum Creek is the United States' largest private land owner. We're listed on the SP 500, located in 19 states and our various business groups include professionals in forestry, real estate, land management, manufacturing, accounting, human resources, and legal. Plum Creek owns approximately 6.8 million acres of timberlands and we manage all the assets on these lands from trees to rocks, minerals, water, oil and gas. We operate as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). We employ approximately 1,100 employees and we generate over $1B in revenue. As a leader in the Forest Products industry, we are proud of our strong commitment to the environment and all of our lands are certified under Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
As the Senior Audit Associate in the Corporate Audit Group at Plum Creek, you will be located in our corporate office (Wells Fargo building on Third and Madison, 43rd floor) in downtown Seattle, Washington. This office is home to about 60 employees and will provide great exposure to the Senior Executive Team of Plum Creek. You will report to the Director of Corporate Audit based in our Montana office. In this position, you'll work as a team to assist management in monitoring the Company's internal controls over financial reporting, risk management procedures, compliance with laws and regulations, and Company policies and procedures. You'll have the opportunity to build your business acumen and work with Senior Managers across the many fascinating businesses of Plum Creek. Our team adds value to Plum Creek by leveraging relationships to understand our business while identifying risk and minimizing audit fees.
You will have an opportunity to work closely with an Internal Audit Manager and Senior Audit Associate located in Columbia Falls, Montana and a Senior Audit Associate located in Atlanta, Georgia. As a team, you'll assist management to ensure processes operate efficiently. You'll be expected to spend the majority of your time interfacing with leaders of this company in addition to analyzing data. Part of your job duties might involve spending time with a Forester in the woods or walking through one of our mills with a Millwright - you'll find much variety in this position. The Corporate Audit Group reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and also to the Chief Operating Officer.
This position is highly visible to all segments and many levels of the organization from Vice Presidents through entry level employees. You'll have the opportunity to build relationships throughout Corporate, Manufacturing, Resources/Forestry, Real Estate, Accounting, and Legal. . Through your experience you will gain a diverse understanding of Plum Creek and develop relationships with a wide variety of employees throughout Plum Creek offices in the United States.
As a Senior Audit Associate, you will:
* Assist the Director with the continuous risk assessment process and development of the annual risk based audit plan.
* Test internal controls over financial reporting for Sarbanes Oxley compliance.
* Evaluate operational processes for efficiencies.
* Assist in the preparation of audit reports that document audit scope, procedures, findings and recommendations.
* Work with the Company's external auditors regarding compliance based initiatives
* Assist with the preparation and delivery of presentations to management that highlight audit project results.
* Test financial reporting disclosure controls.
* Research accounting and auditing standards.
In this position, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career in Auditing while learning and building your business acumen. This will facilitate your growth within our Audit group or may provide opportunities for a career track in Finance/Accounting, Operations, or other areas. Some of the alumni from this team have grown into roles within Real Estate, Acquisitions, Business Development, Accounting, and general Business Analyst roles.
Specific Skills:
* Solid foundation of accounting and generally accepted accounting principles.
* Understanding of financial systems and accounting controls.
* Ability to apply standard audit techniques in a dynamic and geographically diversified business environment.
* Superior interpersonal and communication skills. Deal with conflict in a calm and thoughtful manner.
* Understanding of the interrelationships of finance and audit functions and how they impact other parts of the business.
* Ability to develop and nurture client relationships, manage multiple reporting relationships, handle multiple projects and adapt to a changing environment.
* Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
* Knowledge of Sarbanes Oxley requirements and COSO.
* Utilize technology tools such as ACL to query information for audits. Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of financial and accounting software, such as Lawson and Hyperion.
Travel and Other:
* Up to 30% travel within the continental United States.
* As a new member of the team, you may have the opportunity to travel more frequently to our office in Columbia Falls, Montana (beautiful Flathead Valley) to train with other members of our Audit team.
* We anticipate this individual will work between 40-50 hours per week. Weekend work and travel is rare. However, there may be time periods or projects that require more of a time commitment.
Experience:
* A minimum of 4 years public accounting or related audit experience is required.
* Experience with financial reporting and corporate tax is strongly preferred.
* Experience with Sarbanes Oxley is strongly preferred.
Education:
* A Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accounting is required.
* Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is strongly preferred. However, we may consider CPA candidates.
Total Rewards:
Plum Creek wants to attract and keep the best people -- the team who drives our business success. That is why we offer superior performers opportunities for compensation that is competitive for our marketplace. Your benefits package from Plum Creek consists of a comprehensive range of benefits including Health care coverage, Health and Dependent Daycare Funds, Life and Disability protection, Saving and Retirements benefits, Paid Time Off, and more.
Candidates with a CPA will be reimbursed for coursework to maintain their license and we will pay for license renewal.
Plum Creek has a collaborative, team centric, execution oriented culture focused on delivery. Plum Creek values strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills in addition to strong technical skills. We strive to have a good balance between career and personal life.
Paid relocation may be available.
Public transportation assistance may be available.
For more information and to apply, please visit our Career Center at: www.plumcreek.com
This position is not open to agencies or 3rd party recruiters. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.
Plum Creek is an equal opportunity employer
Salary: $55,800 - $74,000 + 22% Bonus potential
