Senior Accountant

ABOUT THE POSITION:             

The Senior Accountant works closely with the Controller and the accounting team to support oversight and problem solving of day-to-day accounting operations for VGS.  Their work includes constant collaboration and coordination to ensure complete, accurate, and timely data.  We strive for a team focused environment that has a sense of urgency for completing tasks with a high degree of accuracy.  The position will be responsible for the accounting and reporting of technical accounting matters. This position will play a leading role in the annual audit and rate filing. The Senior Accountant is constantly searching for improvements and working to streamline processes. 

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION?            

• Prepares several month end accounting financial transactions such as, but not limited to pension, SERP, deferred compensation, leases, regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities. 
• Plays a leading role in the month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes and assists the accounting team, regularly. 
• Completes the Statement of Cash Flows, monthly. 
• Responsible for reconciling general ledger accounts as assigned by the Controller.
• Responsible for the review of reconciliations prepared by the accounting team, as assigned by the Controller. 
• Serves as a backup for various accounting areas including but not limited to: Gas costs, Fixed assets, and submission of financial results to our parent company. 
• Responsible for Innovation cost tracking 
• Maintains an in-depth comprehension of technical accounting matters. Ability to develop and document business processes and accounting policies where necessary and leads accounting treatment and implementation for new innovation projects. 
• Responsible for researching new ASU’s, understanding the potential impact to VGS, communicating this information to the Controller as well as proposing a path forward, as applicable. Supports the annual Insurance renewal process. 
• Maintains an in-depth understanding of the property tax process. Compiles and reports the municipal and State tax reports of capital assets for property taxes to the State of Vermont. Responds to requests from city/town assessors or State of Vermont. Compares property tax bills to property asset values reported and works through discrepancies, if necessary. 
• Works with the General Accountant I on 1099 reporting and is responsible for the ultimate review and annual submission. 
• Primary liaison with the NNEEC tax team. Reviews and maintains an understanding of the quarterly tax provision, responds to any tax requests including compiling the required items at year end as well as for the annual filing.
• Supports the annual budget process.
• Plays a leading role in the annual cost of service or annual alternative regulation filing. The position will maintain the completeness and accuracy of the cost-of-service file, have an in-depth understanding of the cost of service, make recommendations for known and measurable adjustments and maintain an understanding of key areas from the time of filing through when rates are approved by the Commission. 
• Performs work with a high degree of latitude. Handles the most complex issues. Possesses expert knowledge of subject matter and provides support to team members.
• Clearly articulate current workload and manage up to prioritize assignments.
• Other duties as may be required or requested.

DESIRED SKILLS FOR THIS ROLE?

• Clear and effective communicator, a responsive listener, and an efficient collaborator in a way that builds excellent relationships both internally and externally.  Ability to represent company when communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• High degree of attention to detail, trustworthiness and comfortable dealing with numbers, complex spreadsheets, financial information, and customers.
• Ability to translate and effectively communicate complex financial concepts to various audiences.
• Ability to flourish in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment that requires flexibility, constant prioritization, and organization.
• Accountable for considerable monetary responsibility, complete confidentiality, and reporting with an extremely high degree of accuracy and integrity. 
• Ability to clearly communicate expectations and hold self-accountable for those expectations.  
• Excellent technology skills – advanced proficiency with complex spreadsheet applications and financial analysis tools. Experience with work order systems highly desirable. 
• Ability to develop new skills outside of your comfort zone.
• Ability to maintain positive energy in the face of obstacles.
• Initiate actions to quickly resolve or escalate issues which may prevent the team from working effectively or put the company’s reputation or brand at risk.
• Engage productively in ambiguous conversations.
• Encourage and demonstrate new ways of thinking and leveraging latest technology.
• Analyze complex ideas or proposals and build a range of meaningful recommendations.
• Protect the company by implementing risk management and compliance procedures.
• Utilize data and insights to inform conclusions and decision-making.
• Be open to and seek new learning opportunities to maintain and enhance technical relevance.
• Be able to simplify complex messages, highlighting and summarizing key points.

These skills are normally acquired with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or the equivalent with a minimum of 5-10 years of experience.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and represents a vibrant diversity of background, experience, perspective, and thought. Chances are, if you are considering applying for this position, you have transferable skills that will help you be successful in this role. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, communication style, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply, even if every skill requirement does not match perfectly, because we believe in continuous improvement and support our employees in achieving goals and objectives.