Manager - Energy Accounting

Cleco Power•Pineville, LA

24d

About The Position

The Manager - Energy Accounting is a senior-level professional with extensive knowledge of Energy/Back Office Accounting principles and practices. This position leads day-to-day Energy/Back Office Accounting activities, including reconciliation and settlement of commodity purchases and sales, and preparation of financial statement disclosures for commodity derivatives. The manager works with financial leadership to develop strategic and operational plans aligned with corporate and functional strategy, improve processes and systems, and mentor and develop staff. The role leads Energy Accounting activities such as monthly close, analysis, financial and regulatory reporting, fuel audits, inventory reconciliations, deferred fuel calculations, commodity settlement, and derivative accounting. It oversees regulatory filings and compliance with internal controls, SOX processes, applicable laws, and accounting requirements. The manager also develops reporting and analytics, supports audits and system integrations, collaborates with Risk Management and other stakeholders, and guides employee performance and development. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
At least 5 years of related experience.
Strong business acumen pertaining to the utility industry.
Core knowledge of Finance principles, theories, and concepts, and knowledge of related local and federal laws and regulations for Energy/Back Office Accounting.
Strong knowledge of leading practices in Energy/Back Office Accounting.
Ability to manage high workloads and conflicting priorities and drive issues to resolution while maintaining collaboration.
Ability to work effectively in a team and present ideas and opinions respectfully and collegially.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to interpret Finance KPIs and metrics and turn insights into actionable opportunities.
Ability to operate effectively and proactively with an employee-centric mindset.
Attention to detail and high work standards.
Strong interpersonal, negotiation, communication, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Experience and ability to lead staff across projects toward a common vision.
Experience with Microsoft tools and applications.
Knowledge of GAAP and internal control processes.
Progression to this level is restricted according to critical individual capabilities and business requirements and is contingent on availability in the approved organizational design and structure.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
At least 5 years of people management experience preferred.
Experience with financial systems, including SAP, preferred.
Understanding of the MISO environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the design and development of procedures, processes, and systems for Energy/Back Office Accounting operations; maintain compliance with internal controls and procedures and ensure transactions are properly recorded.
Lead Energy Accounting activities, including monthly close, analyses, financial and regulatory reporting, fuel audits, and resolution of accounting-related problems for regulated and unregulated businesses in collaboration with stakeholders.
Review natural gas and solid fuel inventory reconciliations for volume accuracy and oversee deferred fuel calculations based on fuel revenues and expenses.
Approve month-end accounting entries and account reconciliations; review settlement discrepancy research; approve mark-to-market journal entries for commodity derivatives; and prepare financial statement disclosures for commodity derivatives.
Monitor commodity transactions in the transaction management system for accurate capture and data quality; understand contract details, fees, rates, and payment schedules to ensure timely settlement capture.
Supervise preparation of Louisiana Public Service Commission FAC and EAC filings and periodic FERC filings, including EQR, FERC 580, and EIA923.
Ensure commodity trading transactions are recorded and reported in compliance with SOX processes; analyze, develop, and implement policies and procedures to improve efficiency and automation and reduce costs.
Lead development of analytical reporting tools and variance reporting; assist with internal and external audits and issuance of audited financial statements.
Use data and analytics to support continuous improvement, cost reduction, and program quality; participate in integrating systems such as SAP, FASD, PCI, Horizon, and Tenaska and in improving analytical techniques and cycle times.
Develop metrics and analyses of historical data and trends to improve decision-making and accountability; create reports that communicate insights affecting Finance and the broader organization.
Maintain business relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support business objectives; coordinate with Risk Management to understand contract pricing and risk management impacts.
Develop and evaluate employees, communicate individual and team expectations, review progress regularly, and hold staff accountable to project milestones.
Champion a corporate culture emphasizing transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence.
Perform other duties as assigned.