Planning Analysis & Reporting Lead

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Planning Analysis & Reporting Lead oversees and coordinates budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial analysis, the improvement requisition process, and management reporting of operating and financial results for supported customer groups or AEP System consolidations of O&M and capital-related processes, governance, and incentive measures. The role also oversees senior and executive management reporting for these functional areas, including consolidated reporting for AEP earnings calls, press releases, SEC filings, and the AEP Board. The position manages the coordination and development of financial forecasts, reporting of performance and incentive measures, and special projects and analyses supporting senior management and business operations. It is accountable for the preparation and integrity of budgets, forecasts, underlying accounting for financial results, and the efficiency and effectiveness of related processes. The role oversees managerial reporting and analysis of monthly accounting activity for accuracy, and is accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of managerial and project financial reports and their data. It also coordinates the improvement requisition process in accordance with the Corporate Authorization Policy and Improvement Requisition procedures. AEP is hiring two people for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or Engineering, with related experience.
At least 7 years of experience, including 3–5 years in budgeting or cost control.
Communication, teamwork, initiative, adaptability/flexibility, client focus, creativity, planning/organizing, and understanding the business and competition.

Nice To Haves

MBA, PE, CPA, or CMA.
Experience in a functional business unit (Generation, Transmission, or Distribution), Corporate Finance, Operating Company finance, or an engineering-related field.
Proficiency in UI Budgets, PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office, and Business Objects relational database reporting.
Familiarity with AEP accounting and use of Chartfields.
Prior leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate preparation of budgets, forecasts, and variance explanations for each supported customer.
Coordinate preparation of associated financial, managerial, and project reports and supporting analyses.
Perform financial and accounting analysis and procedures as needed.
Develop financial and budgeting procedures and work with Accounting to develop accounting procedures when needed.
Provide direction, leadership, and support for initiatives to improve financial and accounting processes and tools.
Provide direction or oversight to internal or contractor IT resources implementing process or tool enhancements.
Coordinate and establish policies, procedures, and systems with corporate financial groups for forecasting, budgeting, accounting, and other financial services.
Oversee transaction-detail analysis to ensure proper accounting classifications; recommend reclassifications to preserve report integrity and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Train department personnel in financial and accounting processes and tools, and use cross-training to ensure adequate activity coverage.
Provide resources to assist with use of system software as necessary.
Optimize and streamline the work processes and procedures of the Business Operations Planning and Analysis group and related processes involving other AEP departments.
Oversee continuous improvement to maintain processes in an optimized state.
Follow up on irregularities and abnormal conditions and ensure they are properly resolved.
Perform special studies, analyses, investigations, and assignments as required.
Assist with regulatory proceedings related to financial matters, including data-request information and special studies for Commissions.
Coordinate the improvement requisition process in accordance with the Corporate Authorization Policy and Improvement Requisition procedures.