Director Corporate Accounting

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director Corporate Accounting provides enterprise-wide leadership for AEP’s accounting operations, regulatory reporting, and financial integrity. This role oversees aspects of general ledger accounting, internal and external reporting, internal and external audit support, internal control compliance, centralized accounting processes, and daily cash and trust accounting. The Director partners closely with business unit leadership, Regulatory Services, Financial Reporting, Treasury, and internal/external auditors to ensure accuracy, transparency, and regulatory compliance across the enterprise. As a Director of Accounting, you will lead complex accounting processes, management and staff, and make strategic decisions.

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 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

Direct all aspects of ledger accounting for AEP, ensuring accuracy and adherence to GAAP, FERC, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee centralized accounting functions including journal entry processing, account reconciliations, and month‑end close.
Provide leadership for daily cash operations, benefit trust accounting, and captive insurance entity accounting.
Ensure accurate and timely issuance of all quarterly and annual FERC filings and state regulatory filings for assigned business units.
Support preparation and issuance of AEP’s 10‑K, 10‑Q, MD&A, and footnote disclosures.
Provide direct oversight for annual 11‑K filings and ERISA‑required benefit-related financial reporting.
Serve as Accounting liaison to FP&A, Treasury, Regulatory Services, Operations, and other internal partners.
Ensure support for regulatory filings, data requests, rate cases, and cost‑of‑service matters.
Manage client‑side responsibilities during internal and external audits, ensuring timely responses and positive auditor relations.
Identify and mitigate accounting and financial reporting risks by implementing internal control improvements.
Review internal management reports ensuring completeness, accuracy, and financial integrity.
Ensure compliance with internal controls and Sarbanes‑Oxley requirements.
Provide testimony and serve as expert witness for state and federal regulatory proceedings as needed.
Prioritize accounting process improvements and deploy modern technologies to drive efficiency.
Develop team members through coaching, training, and goal‑setting.
Participate in special projects as assigned.