Financial Controls Business Analyst Staff

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for oversight of financial controls and contract management for AEP Transmission and business services support functions for the Transmission Field Services (TFS) organization. Management oversight includes budget management, contract administration and analysis, LEAN and process improvements, training, data analytics and analyses, and administrative support to ensure prudent spending and the integrity of financial and operational data. The role provides leadership and oversight to Financial Controls Business Analysts across invoice auditing, project and work order financial controls, process improvement, training, audit support, special studies and reporting, automation, and unvouchered liability accruals. The position ensures that financial control practices, contractual requirements, accounting policies, SOX requirements, AEP policies, and applicable guidelines are followed, and that issues and corrective actions are resolved in a timely manner. This position is posted at multiple grade levels; the qualifications described apply to the Staff level. It is an on-site role with less than 25% travel required. The physical demand level is sedentary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Accounting, Contract Administration, or a related field of study.
Eight years of experience in one or more of the following areas: accounting, finance, contract administration, contract analysis, invoice processing, budgeting, benchmarking, or auditing.
Demonstrated teamwork capabilities and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong commercial, analytical, oral and written communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to work successfully with diverse internal and external partners and all levels of the organization.
Core competencies include adaptability/flexibility, teamwork/collaboration, communication, and planning/organizing.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or professional certification in Finance or Accounting.
Experience with Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft Financials, Business Objects, and Ventyx Asset Suite.

Responsibilities

Oversee vendor invoice review and approval for complex contract labor and services, including audits of billing against contractual financial terms and conditions.
Guide interpretation of complex contractual and financial terms; review significant exceptions and disputes; and ensure billing issues are documented, escalated, and resolved according to contract requirements.
Oversee financial control processes supporting accurate project and work order reporting for Operating Companies, Transcos, and Joint Ventures.
Ensure financial control matters affecting subsequent financial transactions—including GLBUs, Accounts, AFUDC, Depreciation, Original Cost Asset Retirements, and related activities—are monitored, reviewed, and addressed.
Monitor established controls and ensure identified issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Lead financial and operational process improvement initiatives, including LEAN initiatives intended to reduce expenses, increase revenue, and improve operational effectiveness.
Set priorities and direct Financial Controls Business Analysts conducting improvement efforts, benchmarking studies, and data analytics; review results and promote effective, consistent financial control practices.
Lead and oversee training initiatives for financial and operational processes and associated IT applications; identify training needs and support effective training materials and practices.
Coordinate support for AEP Audit Services vendor and operational audits; ensure accurate, complete, timely documentation and analysis; and oversee corrective actions and follow-up for significant audit findings and compliance matters.
Lead special studies, reporting, automation initiatives, and other assigned projects; set expectations, assign responsibilities, monitor progress and work quality, remove barriers, and ensure timely and accurate deliverables.
Identify opportunities to use automation, analytics, and process improvements to strengthen financial controls and organizational efficiency.
Oversee the identification, review, and recording of unvouchered liabilities in accordance with accounting policies, SOX requirements, and AEP Transmission guidelines.
Ensure accruals for uninvoiced vendor services are identified, submitted, reviewed, and handled according to established policies and procedures; monitor controls and drive improvements to reduce missed or duplicate accruals and improve accuracy and efficiency.