General Accounting Manager

Northwest Natural Gas Company•Portland, OR

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is a key member of the General Accounting team, responsible for leading the general accounting function and ensuring accurate and timely accounting and internal reporting. This position works closely with the General Accounting Leads to oversee the day-to-day activities and deliverables of the team, which includes monthly accounting close responsibilities and internal reporting, the performance of effective internal controls, quarterly reporting deliverables and various ad hoc projects. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of GAAP and SAP. This position reports directly to the Accounting Director and will work closely with other accounting teams, various business departments, and upper management.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting and CPA certificate are required.
Eight years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with a minimum of three years in a leadership role and at least two years in public accounting preferred.
Knowledge and experience in applying U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is required.
Must be able to work effectively and efficiently under limited supervision.
Demonstrated leadership experience in directing and leading a department; delegating and coordinating employee activities; skill and commitment to coaching and developing employees.
Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
Proficiency with ERP systems (preferably SAP), Blackline and advanced Excel skills
Excellent verbal communication skills; able to facilitate group processes and make group presentations.
Written communication skills including experience with process documentation and report generation.
Conflict resolution skills; ability to mediate and resolve problems between internal and external stakeholders.
Must combine attention to detail with the ability to envision the big picture.
Ability to facilitate and coordinate projects.
Proven ability to function in a team environment, provide information and training to users while treating them with respect and dignity.
Requires outstanding ethical standards and values consistent with those of the Company.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience in applying SEC rules is preferred.
Experience in a utility operation and knowledge of standard utility accounting is highly desired.
Experience with M&A integration and centralized accounting operations preferred.
Demonstrated success leading change management initiatives across systems, teams, and processes.

Responsibilities

Manages the General Accounting and Accounts Payable departments including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
Direct oversight and management of the Leads (3) related to Corporate General Accounting, Subsidiary General Accounting, and Accounts Payable.
Oversee the monthly, quarterly and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
Oversee accounting for key areas including: bonus accruals and workers' compensation liabilities, life insurance and deferred compensation, Revenue recognition and renewable energy transactions, subsidiary results and intercompany transactions, shared services and cost allocations.
Oversee financial systems including SAP master data governance, role management, access approvals, and system upgrades.
Oversee Blackline account reconciliation platform and SAP Concur expense management.
Conduct detailed financial statement reviews and variance analyses and monthly reporting packages.
Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Play a key role in upcoming M&A activities, including integration planning, and post-acquisition accounting alignment.
Lead efforts to centralize accounting functions across business units, driving consistency, scalability, and operational efficiency.
Partner with Finance leadership to assess and harmonize accounting policies, systems, and controls during organizational transitions.
Support change management initiatives related to acquisitions, system implementations, and process redesign.
Collaborate with FP&A, tax, treasury, HR and other departments to align accounting practices with business objectives.
Performs research, analysis, and review of accounting matters.
Lead or support ad hoc projects and analysis, including financial modeling, forecasting, and technical research.
Provides management with sound recommendations for solutions to complex accounting and reporting matters, based on in-depth research and critical thinking, professional experience, benchmarking and/or consultation with Company and industry peers or specialists.
Leads collaboration across departments, and acts as a consultation resource for accounting issues to ensure timely and effective resolution of accounting matters.
Provides support for both internal and external audits.
Completes internal control procedures to ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Identify and lead opportunities to improve efficiency and automation across accounting and reporting operations.
Demonstrates appropriate leadership and decision-making behaviors.
Maintains technical accounting knowledge and personal skill development.
Supports the Company's commitment to a culture of safe work practices.

Benefits

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women's Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless