Technical Accounting Research, Sr Accountant II

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This individual works as part of a collaborative team to monitor and report on technical developments in the authoritative accounting guidance, direct the implementation of new accounting pronouncements, and analyze intermediate to complex business transactions to support the development of GAAP compliant financial statements and external financial reporting. Our customer base is diverse and consists of four state-regulated natural gas utilities, an unregulated gas marketing services organization, a portfolio of equity investments in gas pipeline entities, and other components of the shared services organization of which we are a part (e.g., plant and utility accounting, financial reporting, corporate accounting, budget/financial planning). The position will also be required to document background information, analysis, and accounting determinations on specific transactions or issues in formal technical accounting memos. Additionally, position will include independent auditor interaction (preparation/review of technical recommendations and face-to-face communication) and at times assist in resolving matters pertaining to quarterly and annual SEC financial filings. The position will also prepare and update formal accounting policy and procedure modules as authoritative guidance and internal policy changes required. Work environment is 4 days on-site.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent academic education or experience
Minimum 3 years of experience with increasing responsibility in corporate accounting, financial reporting, accounting research, public accounting (audit or transaction services), internal audit, or equivalent
Experience producing well-written accounting narratives, memos, or other process documents
Experience reading and interpreting complex contracts, regulations, and other legal documents
Experience reading and interpreting authoritative and interpretive accounting guidance, with familiarity with most of the following FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics: revenue recognition leases internal-use software consolidations / variable interest entities goodwill and other intangible assets pension / post-employment benefit plans
Continuing professional education in accounting as appropriate
Build good working relationships with peers and interact well with executives
Able to communicate details of complex business transactions and applicable authoritative accounting guidance effectively, both verbally and in writing

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Master’s degree with concentration or major in accounting
Utility or energy industry accounting experience
Public accounting auditing experience at the manager level.
SEC financial reporting experience
Financial valuation and/or asset impairment assessment experience

Responsibilities

Determines and directs the appropriate accounting (recording) and/or disclosure for complex business transactions or the implementation of accounting rules across the Southern Company Gas organization
Prepares formal written documentation of analysis, conclusions and support for conclusions
May prepare and/or review data requests, reports and schedules for regulatory agencies (state public utility commissions, etc.)
Assists in coordinating with Southern Company Accounting Research Team in implementation of new accounting guidance and/or internal policies
Participates in and/or leads special projects, such as the implementation of new accounting pronouncements or policies across the organization, often dealing directly with executives in various business units
Reviews and analyzes financial information relating to various specialized accounting areas (e.g., leases, asset retirement obligations in plant, construction contracts, etc.); uses professional judgment and expertise to interpret complex contracts, legal documents, and accounting literature, making recommendations to senior management, and communicating positions to internal and independent auditors.
Works with customers (internal and external) to resolve problems; answers questions, and provides accounting guidance and recommendations
Committed to continuous development and enhancement of speaking and writing skills to communicate often complex and nuanced accounting guidance and/or contractual provisions to employees at all levels of the organization in a clear and effective manner
Collaborates and builds effective relationships with stakeholders.
Coordinates cross-functional technical review and implementation teams.
Responsible for monitoring progress against goals/deliverables; holds self and other accountable for results.
Follows organizational policies and procedures.
Provides continuous process improvement suggestions and may oversee implementing them.