Accountant I or II

Otter Tail Corporation • Fergus Falls, MN

1d • $57,000 - $87,000

About The Position

Are you detail-oriented with a strong understanding of cost accounting and
capital processes? We are seeking a Cost Accountant to support the accounting
and financial management of utility construction and fixed assets in a regulated
environment.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to complex, high-impact
projects while supporting the reliable delivery of utility services. In this
role, you’ll play a key part in the capital project lifecycle, from evaluating
capitalization eligibility through final plant-in-service classification, while
ensuring compliance with applicable accounting guidance and regulatory
requirements. You’ll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, support
month-end close activities, and help maintain critical fixed asset systems.

Key Responsibilities

Participate in the capital project process from initial determination of
capitalization eligibility through final plant-in-service classification,
ensuring adherence to applicable accounting and regulatory guidance.
Ensure accurate accumulation of project costs, help determine units of
property, and record assets in the appropriate FERC plant-in-service accounts
within the fixed asset system in a timely manner.
Collaborate with project managers, engineering, operations, and other
stakeholders to support timely and accurate completion of construction
projects.
Assist with maintaining the fixed asset system, including system
integrations, issue resolution, and implementation of system enhancements.
Coordinate and monitor project status workflows across multiple operating and
financial systems to ensure consistency and data integrity.
Support internal control responsibilities associated with capital assets and
cost accounting processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
General accounting experience with understanding of the accounting cycle and
month‑end close processes.
Knowledge of cost accounting and fixed asset accounting fundamentals.
Proficiency in Excel and experience working with general ledger systems.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate financial reporting.
Ability to follow established accounting procedures, internal controls, and
documentation standards.
Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments
(engineering, construction, operations).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a regulated
business environment.

At Otter Tail Power Company, you’ll be part of a collaborative environment that
values innovation, continuous improvement, and employee development.

If you’re passionate about cost accounting, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our
talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career
experience and goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• General accounting experience with understanding of the accounting cycle and month‑end close processes.
• Knowledge of cost accounting and fixed asset accounting fundamentals.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience working with general ledger systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate financial reporting.
• Ability to follow established accounting procedures, internal controls, and documentation standards.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments (engineering, construction, operations).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a regulated business environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the capital project process from initial determination of capitalization eligibility through final plant-in-service classification, ensuring adherence to applicable accounting and regulatory guidance.
• Ensure accurate accumulation of project costs, help determine units of property, and record assets in the appropriate FERC plant-in-service accounts within the fixed asset system in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineering, operations, and other stakeholders to support timely and accurate completion of construction projects.
• Assist with maintaining the fixed asset system, including system integrations, issue resolution, and implementation of system enhancements.
• Coordinate and monitor project status workflows across multiple operating and financial systems to ensure consistency and data integrity.
• Support internal control responsibilities associated with capital assets and cost accounting processes.

Benefits

• Competitive wage & benefit package.
• Incentive plans
• Employee Stock Ownership options
• Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
• Health, disability and life insurance plan options
• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.
• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees