Accounting Manager

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The Manager of Accounting Services oversees General Ledger and subledgers such as Accounts Receivable and Asset accounting.
 

The Manager - Accounting Services is a senior level professional with extensive knowledge and substantive experience with General Ledger (GL), Accounts Receivable (AR), and Utility Plant Accounting principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent is responsible for the GL and AR functions, which include managing all GL, AR, and Asset accounting processes and systems. The incumbent works closely with the Finance Operations Director to meet business expectations for the GL and AR (Accounting Services) and Plant Accounting functions by contributing to the development of strategic and operational plans and ensuring they are in line with corporate and functional strategy. The incumbent drives continual improvement of processes and systems, and mentors and develops staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of procedures, processes and systems related to Accounting Services and Asset Accounting operations.
• Coordinate and manage the Asset Accounting Services function including the daily activities required to maintain the Power Plan system, the accuracy of journal entries to the ledger accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, ad-hoc analyses, trial balance reviews, and variance analysis, while adhering to deadlines
• Oversee function to maintain, and record fixed assets; support the design and development of procedures, processes and systems related to Asset Accounting
• Ensure effectiveness of processes to accurately record newly acquired fixed assets (both tangible and intangible), track existing fixed assets, record depreciation, and accounting for the disposition of fixed assets in compliance with FERC and GAAP requirements.
• Support and provide leadership to project managers and Finance functions, as needed, to properly account for capital projects, acquisitions, retirements, and transfers.
• Review journal entries, variance analytics and balance sheet account reconciliations for fixed assets; conduct analyses related to fixed assets as requested by management.
• Support the review audit schedules relating to fixed assets; disclosures for SEC/Financial Reporting team, Tax department, external Auditors, as well as ad hoc report requests; assist the auditors in their inquiries
• Ensure the overall monthly, quarterly, and annual close is completed on time and accurately; oversees preparation of fluctuation analyses for actuals versus prior periods, and assist Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with budget-to-actual variance analyses
• Collaborate with Internal Reporting to prepare and analyze accounting data to produce all accounting and financial reports and statements (monthly, quarterly, annually) to ensure accuracy and completeness for Cleco EMT and Board presentations
• Comply with internal controls related to financial close; ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; model and promote ethical business conduct, and comply with both the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations to which Cleco is subject                                   
• Support design, document, implement and monitor adherence to internal financial controls in accordance with SOX requirements
• Oversee and ensure accurate processes and procedures to calculate Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)
• Analyze, develop, and implement internal policies and procedures across the GL/AR functions to improve team efficiency and automation, resulting in overall cost savings
• Lead the preparation of rate case filings as it relates to accounting information
• Use data and analytics to support continuous improvements to reduce costs and improve program quality; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations and enhance cycle times 
• Analyze historical data and trends to improve decision making for organizational function and increase accountability, and develop reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organization
• Develop solid business relationships with key stakeholders to proactively support business objectives within the finance team and with external stakeholders to drive success
• Train and evaluate employees to enhance their performance and development; communicate individual and team performance expectations with regular progress review and hold staff accountable to defined project milestones
• Serve as escalation point to report risks to delivery, ensuring business expectations, goals and objectives are understood and met across project teams.
• Stay up to date on industry leading practices and contribute innovative ideas to drive continuous improvement of service delivery and processes.
• Champion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), FERC and Regulatory Accounting
• Core knowledge of Finance principles, theories and concepts, and knowledge of related Local and Federal laws and regulations related to General Ledger
• Ability to manage high workloads and conflicting priorities, and drive issues to resolution while maintaining an atmosphere of collaboration
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret Finance KPIs/metrics and derive insights into actionable opportunities
• Ability to operate effectively and proactively with an employee centric mindset
• Detailed-oriented and high work standards in support of seamless execution
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, communication, writing, speaking, and listening skills

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, Master’s degree preferred
• 5 years of related experience
• 2 years People Management experience preferred
• Experience and ability to lead staff across projects towards a common vision
• Experience with Financial Systems/SAP/PowerPlan preferred
• Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required
• Knowledge of GAAP, Internal Control processes
• This level is based only on availability in approved org design/structure; strict adherence is required
• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data
  
   

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required
   

Primary Competencies

BEHAVIORAL

• Attracts Top Talent
• Drives Results
• Balances Stakeholders
• Drives Vision & Purpose
• Builds Effective Team
• Ensures Accountability
• Business Insight
• Instills Trust
• Communicates Effectively
• Nimble Learning
• Courage
• Plans & Aligns
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Strategic Mindset
• Develops Talent
• Safety

TECHNICAL (Core for Function)

• Core Accounting
• Financial Reporting & Data Analysis
• Industry & Business Knowledge
• Regulatory Accounting
• Risk Management
• Financial Systems
• Business Partnering
• Financial Transaction Management
• Project and Change Management

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May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.