Accountant, Lead (Accounting Strategy and Initiatives)

JOB SUMMARY

Serves as an accounting subject matter expert with a deep understanding of accounting principles, strong project management and analytical skills and the ability to understand and lead complex projects. Leads the project management and accounting support of various traditional and non-traditional business opportunities, including reviewing and assessing the accounting, financial reporting and tax implications of and recommending key decisions. Opportunities include mergers & acquisitions, competitive bidding, partnerships, compliance initiatives, assessment of current processes, identifying and implementing continuous improvements and efficiencies, and other ad hoc assignments. Serves as a key resource to the organization and requires building relationships both within Accounting and Finance as well as other departments within the company. In addition, assists in influencing decision makers outside of the accounting department based on the Company’s strategic, economical and operational goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads evaluation of accounting impacts of certain projects and supports the execution of projects around acquisitions, competitive bidding, greenfield development projects and customer business solution opportunities while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Performs research and benchmarking on complex accounting matters, including accounting methodologies, revenue recognition, lease and acquisition accounting, and joint venture structuring, among other topics as they arise.
• Prepares technical accounting memos and supports the resolution of complex financial reporting issues.
• Assists in coordination and acts as liaison with internal and external specialists and subject matter experts regarding all aspects of assigned projects.
• Supports the review, development and implementation of updated processes, procedures and accounting policies specific to special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Leads the identification of accounting risks and potential threats to projects and proactively communicates timelines.
• Supports the partnership with various business leaders to engage, analyze and communicate complex accounting and business ideas to drive modeling scenarios and to evaluate business trends and opportunities
• Supports managing multiple complex projects and/or initiatives and assists in all accounting aspects of the project lifecycle.
• Ensures adherence to internal controls and regulatory/audit requirements.
• Maintains awareness of industry best practices and stays updated on emerging industry trends, and regulatory changes.
• Builds high trust relationships and interacts with company's business leaders.

• Fosters and maintains working relationships with partners, customers, third-party consultants, and stakeholders.

• Leads all accounting aspects of project life-cycle and engages other accounting directors and managers as appropriate.

   

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Accounting with increasing level of responsibility. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of utility accounting experience preferred.
• CPA preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FERC accounting, and regulatory compliance.
• Outstanding project management, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex accounting and other issues.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to research and efficiently analyze various types of data.
• Skilled relationship builder and ability to work well cross-functionally.
• Requires ability to influence and make decisions in complex and often gray areas.
• Demonstrates above average knowledge of financial systems.