Director, Finance & Accounting

Wabash Valley Power Alliance•Marion, IN

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Jasper County Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Rensselaer, Indiana. It serves over 8,500 consumers and 9,600 meters across 1,227 miles in northwest Indiana. As a member-owned cooperative, it is governed by a board of directors elected by its members, with a mission to provide safe, reliable electric service and meet the collective energy needs of its members. The cooperative is committed to service excellence, member satisfaction, and being a responsible partner in the communities it serves. The Director of Finance & Accounting oversees the operation of the Accounting and Finance functions. This position is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the cooperative's financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Uniform System of Accounts. The role leads and oversees all aspects of the cooperative’s financial activities for both the electric and broadband segments, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, investments, risk management, and auditing functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in an accounting capacity.
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office products.
Valid Indiana Driver’s License.
Able to gather relevant data using appropriate methodologies and analyze that data in such a manner that valid conclusions and insinuations can be drawn that assist in making important business decisions.
Able to clearly present information through spoken or written work; interprets and simplifies complex information; good customer relations; active listener; ability to stay calm under pressure.
Works to create positive communication and relations by being a good listener, conveying ideas, and understanding how various pieces of work fit together.
Strong problem-solving abilities, including the ability to apply critical thinking skills and logical discernment to complex situations where different opinions may be in conflict.
Strong mathematical abilities (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and ratios), including the ability to process data.
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
Comfortable with navigating and adapting to change in a fast-paced and evolving industry.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Focus on continuous improvement; driven to improve processes and drive efficiencies within the department.
Maintains a high level of professionalism, displays a courteous and positive attitude.
Ability to establish professional relationships with both internal and external representatives.
Collaborative, with a strong desire to work within a team environment and drive positive change.
Contributes as needed to support the cooperative principles.
Strong desire to learn and develop.
Maintains a respectable personal appearance.

Nice To Haves

CPA or equivalent certification.
Previous experience in the electric, broadband or energy sector.
Proven leader strongly preferred, demonstrating the leadership skills of planning, directing, developing, coaching and supporting employees.
Knowledge and experience of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) uniform system of accounting.

Responsibilities

Actively engages as a member of the management team to address current issues, including team and culture building.
Attends courses and meetings that will grow leadership, industry and functional skills.
Attends board meetings and reports monthly financial activities with a focus on adherence/exceptions to budget; emerging issues.
Prepares informative, useful management and statistical reports.
Maintains appropriate insurance coverage.
Administers and maintains contracts applicable to the department that support internal practices.
Ensures that a complete and systematic set of records of business transactions is maintained.
Completes month-end closing procedures and prepares monthly financial reports as needed.
Ensures accuracy of monthly financial reports prepared by the Staff Accountant.
Prepares as needed and ensures that monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports are filed accurately and timely with the proper agencies.
Prepares as needed and ensures that all tax reports are filed accurately and timely.
Oversees all broadband and grant accounting.
Prepares and ensures the property tax returns are filed timely with fiber exemptions filed.
Develops and facilitates an effective budgeting process on an annual basis by consolidating all departmental operating and capital budgets.
Develops cash requirements and debt portfolio strategy consistent with the risk tolerance set by the Board of Directors, ensuring adequate short-term cash and maximizing investment of available excess cash.
Maintains loan fund records and prepare loan fund requisitions.
Plans, designs, evaluates, implements, and maintains accounting systems, and accounting procedures.
Partners with the GM/CEO to develop and assist in facilitating an annual business/work plan process.
Works with GM/CEO and the Board of Directors to develop and facilitate a Strategic Planning process, on a 3–5-year cycle.
Supports the strategic and operating goals of the Electric and Broadband segments; to include business case development and budget forecasting.
Provides accounting records and audit work papers necessary to complete audits.
Provides adequate space, equipment, and assistance during the regularly scheduled audit period.
Coordinates, cooperates, and consults with the auditor as necessary regarding accounting practices.
Works closely with banking personnel within the cooperative’s service area on any problems involving the deposit of funds, checking accounts, and other banking services.
Obtains the necessary information for investment opportunities for the REMC.
Directs and supervises, in an effective and cost-effective manner, the Accounting and Finance departments.
Fulfills supervisory responsibilities including but not limited to planning, scheduling, delegating, appraising, coaching, counseling and teaching; supports business systems and policies, procedures, and practices relative to supervisory responsibilities.
Encourages constructive handling of conflict, providing and accepting feedback.
Encourages personnel to innovate and streamline processes.
Assists employees in seeing how the cooperatives goals are best accomplished and holding employees accountable for commitments and performance.
Takes genuine interest in the development of employees.
Demonstrates respect for peers and employees at all times.