Manager Cost and Plant Accounting

SRP • Tempe, AZ

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Accounting Manager, Fixed Assets & Plant Accounting leads a team responsible for the accounting, reporting, governance, and financial stewardship of the Company's utility plant assets and capital project portfolio. This position oversees all aspects of plant and fixed asset accounting, including capital project accounting, plant-in-service accounting, depreciation, retirements, regulatory reporting, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Uniform System of Accounts requirements, and internal policies. The Accounting Manager serves as a key business partner to Engineering, Construction, Project Management, Finance, Supply Chain, Information Technology, and Operations organizations to ensure the accurate accounting and reporting of capital investments. This role drives continuous process improvement, strengthens internal controls, supports major capital programs, and provides leadership in system modernization and financial governance initiatives.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree relevant to the assignment from an accredited institution is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including significant experience in fixed asset, plant accounting, capital project accounting, or utility accounting.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience managing accounting professionals.
• Experience with ERP, fixed asset, and project accounting systems is required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and utility accounting principles.
• Working knowledge of FERC Uniform System of Accounts and utility regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in fixed asset accounting, capitalization policies, depreciation, and capital project accounting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial reporting skills.
• Ability to interpret complex accounting guidance and apply sound professional judgment.
• Experience designing and maintaining effective internal controls.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive organizational change.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting systems, data analytics, and Microsoft Office applications.
• All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is preferred.
• Experience within a regulated utility, energy, power, water, or infrastructure-intensive industry is strongly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Experience supporting regulatory audits, rate cases, and depreciation studies.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, PowerPlan, or similar utility accounting and fixed asset systems.
• Knowledge of utility plant asset lifecycle management, construction accounting, and large-scale capital programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, mentor, and evaluate a team of accounting professionals responsible for plant and fixed asset accounting activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, customer service, and professional development.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance metrics aligned with organizational objectives.
• Provide technical guidance on complex accounting matters and serve as a subject matter expert for utility plant accounting.
• Oversee all accounting activities related to utility plant and fixed assets, including asset capitalization, transfers, retirements, impairments, depreciation, and asset disposals.
• Direct monthly and annual financial close activities for plant accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of fixed asset subledger and plant accounting records.
• Review and approve plant additions, asset classifications, and retirement transactions to ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage asset accounting for major generation, transmission, distribution, water, and technology capital projects.
• Provide accounting oversight and guidance for the Company's capital construction program.
• Partner with project managers and business unit leaders to ensure proper capitalization of project costs and compliance with capitalization policies.
• Review capital budgets, project structures, work orders, and project accounting methodologies.
• Oversee the establishment, maintenance, monitoring, and closure of capital project and work order structures.
• Evaluate complex project transactions and accounting implications throughout the asset lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, FERC Uniform System of Accounts, and other applicable regulatory and financial reporting requirements.
• Support preparation of regulatory filings, rate case requirements, and financial disclosures related to utility plant assets and depreciation.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards and regulatory developments and assess impacts to the organization.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal control documentation related to fixed assets and capital accounting.
• Lead periodic depreciation studies and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders regarding depreciation rates and methodologies.
• Analyze asset lives, salvage values, retirement patterns, and depreciation trends.
• Support long-range financial planning, forecasting, and regulatory filings through asset-related analyses and reporting.
• Oversee fixed asset and plant accounting systems, interfaces, and data integrity across financial, project management, work management, and enterprise systems.
• Partner with Information Technology and business stakeholders to implement system enhancements, automation initiatives, and process improvements.
• Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls over plant accounting processes and financial reporting.
• Leverage technology, analytics, and best practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting operations.
• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external auditors regarding plant accounting and fixed asset matters.
• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and management analyses.
• Collaborate across the organization to resolve accounting issues, support strategic initiatives, and provide financial guidance on capital investments.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and enterprise planning activities related to capital expenditures and utility plant assets.

Benefits

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
• Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager