Accountant III

Otter Tail Corporation•Fergus Falls, MN

6d•$63,000 - $87,000•Onsite

About The Position

We have an opening for a General Accountant in Fergus Falls, MN. Our company’s commitment is to environmental, economic, and community stewardship and we balance each decision we make with the impact it has on our friends and neighbors. We are seeking a detail-oriented accounting professional with a strong foundation in financial principles and regulatory compliance. This role requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or an associate’s degree with equivalent experience, including coursework in journal entry preparation, financial statement analysis, and concepts such as accruals and prepaids. Knowledge of the FERC Uniform System of Accounts and the differences between FERC and GAAP guidance is preferred but not required. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required, along with the ability to adapt to evolving technology and processes. Experience with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems is preferred but not required. Candidates should possess a thorough understanding of a company’s accounting cycle and monthly close processes. Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and willingness to cross-train are key, as are exceptional accuracy, time management, and flexibility to adjust to changes in utility operations or new accounting pronouncements. A successful candidate will take ownership of complex accounting tasks that are critical to the company’s financial integrity. This includes preparing higher-complexity journal entries and reconciliations between sub-ledgers and the general ledger, identifying and correcting non-routine entries, and ensuring accuracy throughout the closing process. The candidate will analyze monthly financial statements for completeness and accuracy, providing timely reports to management. In addition, they’ll collaborate across the organization to gather data for quarterly FERC filings (Form 3Q and Form 1), often researching regulatory changes independently before management review occurs. This role requires the ability to resolve moderately complex issues with minimal supervision. Once they are proficient in the role, the candidate will help maintain the company’s Chart of Accounts, and occasionally lead small or cross-functional projects as a subject matter expert. The candidate will also perform internal control responsibilities to support SOX compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or an associate’s degree with equivalent experience
Coursework in journal entry preparation, financial statement analysis, and concepts such as accruals and prepaids
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Ability to adapt to evolving technology and processes
Thorough understanding of a company’s accounting cycle and monthly close processes
Strong interpersonal skills
Collaborative mindset
Willingness to cross-train
Exceptional accuracy
Time management skills
Flexibility to adjust to changes in utility operations or new accounting pronouncements

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the FERC Uniform System of Accounts and the differences between FERC and GAAP guidance
Experience with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems

Responsibilities

Preparing higher-complexity journal entries and reconciliations between sub-ledgers and the general ledger
Identifying and correcting non-routine entries
Ensuring accuracy throughout the closing process
Analyzing monthly financial statements for completeness and accuracy, providing timely reports to management
Collaborating across the organization to gather data for quarterly FERC filings (Form 3Q and Form 1)
Researching regulatory changes independently before management review occurs
Resolving moderately complex issues with minimal supervision
Maintaining the company’s Chart of Accounts
Occasionally leading small or cross-functional projects as a subject matter expert
Performing internal control responsibilities to support SOX compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company standards