Director Accounting Policy & Research

American Electric Power • Columbus, OH

3d

About The Position

The Director of Accounting Policy & Research is responsible for proactively identifying, assessing and researching technical accounting issues confronting a multi-jurisdiction electric utility company, including responsibilities in driving consensus with external auditors, timely issuing technical accounting guidance, and effectively communicating accounting matters to the appropriate levels of senior management. Also, responsible for establishing policy, evaluating accounting treatment, and reviewing SEC disclosures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business with a concentration in Accounting, or other related fields.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience
• Strong competency in written and oral communication, including the ability to communicate complex accounting issues in simple, easy-to-understand formats
• Ability to write technical accounting memos to support relevant conclusions
• Ability to work as a part of a team and possess excellent time management and organizational skills
• Detail oriented with an ability to employ a logical approach to accomplish objectives and solve issues
• Ability to lead multiple projects, prioritize, and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements
• Ability to voice and defend opinions while guiding teams toward successful, collaborative implementation of change initiatives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Teams, and similar collaborative technology
• Continuous improvement mindset with the following competencies: Adaptability, Flexibility, Creativity, and Initiative.
• Physical demand level is Sedentary

Nice To Haves

• Exposure with or familiarity with the utility industry preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred
• CPA certification or advanced degree preferred
• Preferred experience in at least ten of the following accounting disciplines: Investments in Equity and Debt Securities Goodwill Internal-Use Software Property, Plant, and Equipment Asset Retirement Obligations Contingencies Guarantees Debt Equity Revenue Recognition Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets Compensation Business Combinations Consolidation Derivatives and Hedge Accounting Fair Value Measurement Leases Regulated Operations

Responsibilities

• Regularly serve in a lead role on investigation, analysis, communication, and the preparation of documentation for significant, nonroutine, complex transactions
• Partner with Financial Reporting with the preparation of SEC disclosures for significant, nonroutine, complex transactions
• Regularly serve as a technical reviewer of recurring analyses, deliverables, and other work products of AP&R team members
• Responsible for partnering and interacting with other departments in the CAO’s organization, the overall Finance organization, and other AEP business units, as appropriate, on cross-functional efforts such as significant transaction support, the adoption of new accounting standards, the implementation of new accounting policies, and other priority initiatives.
• Provide significant input and reviews of 10-K and 10-Q, including MD&A and footnote disclosures.
• Support rate case witness testimony and analysis, as necessary.
• Effectively communicate technical accounting matters and new accounting standards with the appropriate levels of the AEP organization, including timely, concise communication to the CAO, CFO, and other executive leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert with respect to U.S. GAAP, FERC and SEC accounting matters. Refer to the Minimum Requirements section for significant technical accounting areas of focus.
• Drive consensus with external auditors regarding the Company's routine and complex accounting positions, policies, procedures, and disclosure requirements.
• Serve as a leader of priority initiatives and strategic projects with a focus on process improvement, work product design, and the development and delivery of training on relevant technical accounting topics
• Represent and articulate Company viewpoints through direct participation in industry initiatives such as subject matter working groups and ad hoc task forces (e.g., standard-setting initiatives, emerging accounting issues, etc.)
• Support executive leadership in critical decision-making activities that drive and enhance business performance and related impacts to the Company's financial results.

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees