Capital & Project Accounting Mgr

NW Natural•Happy Valley, OR

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry. In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility. NOTE: Employees based at our Headquarters are required to work on-site a minimum of two days per week. Specific in‑office days may vary by team and business needs. This hybrid schedule supports collaboration, connection, and engagement while also offering flexibility for remote work. The Role: This is a key position responsible for overseeing all aspects of capital accounting, including the accurate recording, reporting, and compliance of capital expenditures and fixed assets. This includes the day-to-day oversight of the Capital Accounting Team, including planning and coordination, detailed task review and coaching team members. This role ensures adherence to Regulatory Accounting ASC 980 and supports audits and financial reporting related to capital projects. The Accounting Consultant serves as a subject matter expert and is skilled in problem solving and collaboration across departments. This position has overall responsibility for the accounting for $3.7Billion in Plant Assets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent experience is required, CPA strongly preferred
Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with a minimum of three years’ experience in a leadership role
In-depth understanding of the day-to day plant and lease accounting processes and procedures and knowledge of PowerPlan and SAP configurations and related modules
Ability to work independently with IT&S personnel to recommend, configure, and test any necessary changes to system configurations affecting plant accounting
Experience with a monthly general ledger process is required
Knowledge and experience in applying U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Demonstrated leadership experience in directing and leading a team; delegating and coordinating employee activities; skill and commitment to coaching and developing employees and processes
Excellent verbal communication skills; proficient in facilitating group processes and giving presentations
Written communication skills including experience with process documentation and report generation
Conflict resolution skills; ability to mediate and resolve problems between internal and external stakeholders
Must combine attention to detail with the ability to envision the big picture
Analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills
Requires outstanding ethical standards and values consistent with those of the Company
Proven ability to function in a team environment, provide information and training to users while treating them with respect and dignity

Nice To Haves

In-depth knowledge of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Accounting regulations, as well as Oregon and Washington Regulatory policies affecting Plant Accounting is highly desired
Experience with the preparation and review of responses to inquiries from external stakeholders such as regulators
Experience with Depreciation Studies

Responsibilities

Manages the Capital, Lease and Project Accounting functions, including direct oversight of three senior accounting analysts
Reviews and approves all month-end close processes for Capital Accounting, ensuring the timeliness of plant additions and retirements for the natural gas and water businesses
Manages the Lease Accounting processes including review of new and amended agreements and routine accounting and financial reporting of lease transactions
Analyzes plant and lease results in the financial statements and participates in monthly Finance Committee Meetings
Oversees timely preparation of Account Reconciliations and Sarbanes Oxley Internal Control procedures, including review and approval
Assists with internal and external audits of Plant and Lease balances and records
Maintains the Capital Asset Policy and procedures and serves as the primary contact for Engineering, Operations, IT&S and other departments for guidance on treatment of transactions as capital or O&M expense
Oversees construction overhead calculations and updates in the General Ledger
Performs financial analyses and prepares ad hoc reports, as required, including assignment and support of team members for completing such analyses and reports
Researches and documents complex accounting issues, providing recommendations to Management for resolution and prepares Accounting Memos to document decisions
Partners with Technical Accounting to ensure appropriate accounting for complex lease transactions
Collaborates with Finance, Business Analytics, Business Systems, and the Project Management Office regarding budgeting, cost tracking, project reporting and maintenance of various SAP Modules for Plant Accounting
Provides timely guidance to team members regarding Projects that are managed by Project Managers in the Project Management Office
Coordinates team resources to support Rates and Regulatory Affairs in General Rate Cases and other regulatory reports or inquiries
Assists with periodic regulatory Depreciation Studies performed by a third-party consultant and reviewed and approved by Utility Commissions
Trains and coaches team members, providing timely feedback as well as routine performance reviews
Ensures the team’s task documentation is complete and current
Identifies and implements process improvements as well as encourages team members to do the same
Participates in system implementations and enhancements as a subject matter expert including testing and roll-out
Provides regular team status and non-payroll budget updates to the Senior Accounting Manager
Establishes and maintains working relationships with industry contacts and businesses to stay current with developing trends and best practices in Capital Accounting systems and procedures
Support the Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices

Benefits

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless