Director, Accounting

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

21h•Onsite

About The Position

AEP’s East vertically integrated utilities—Appalachian Power, Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Kingsport Power, and Wheeling Power—play a critical role in delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy across multiple states. We are seeking a Director, Accounting to lead a high performing accounting operations and internal reporting organization supporting these regulated utilities. This role provides strategic oversight of accounting processes, ensures strong internal controls, guides regulatory accounting across diverse jurisdictions, and delivers accurate, transparent financial information that supports executive decision making. As a key leader within AEP’s Finance organization, you will help maintain financial integrity, support rate and regulatory activities, and enable the long-term success of AEP’s East operating companies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business with an Accounting concentration.
Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience, or 5 years of progressive experience directly related to accounting for regulatory or cost based rate activities.
Experience managing audits and complex accounting matters.
Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX Compliance, FERC Uniform System of Accounts for Electric Utilities, and other utility regulatory reporting requirements.
Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate across teams, and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice To Haves

CPA strongly preferred.
Experience in the electric utility or regulated energy industry; experience supporting state regulatory filings, rate cases, or vertically integrated utility operations preferred.
Knowledge of rate‑making, cost‑of‑service models, and utility regulatory accounting.
Familiarity with large ERP systems and experience leading teams to leverage technology for efficiency gains.
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on leading others toward efficiency, accuracy, and scalable processes.

Responsibilities

Lead accounting operations for AEP’s East utilities, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes in accordance with GAAP, FERC, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Oversee regulatory accounting for Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Michigan, including implementation of commission orders and support for rate cases.
Direct preparation and review of financial reporting deliverables, including responsibility for the FERC Form 1 and 3Qs, as well as inputs to stand‑alone GAAP reports and SEC filings (10‑K, 10‑Q, MD&A, and footnotes).
Review and approve support for regulatory filings, data requests, rate cases, and cost‑of‑service matters, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and proper documentation.
Coordinate external and internal audits related to East utility operations, ensuring timely and complete responses.
Drive process improvements and system enhancements that strengthen internal controls, improve efficiency, and support scalability across accounting functions.
Provide financial insights and serve as a trusted advisor to East utility leadership, supporting operational decisions, financial planning, and strategic initiatives.
Develop, mentor, and lead accounting staff, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture focused on continuous learning and operational excellence.
Provide testimony and serve as an expert witness in state regulatory proceedings as needed.
Lead special projects and cross‑functional initiatives as assigned.