Project & Corporate Finance Lead

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

2d•$116,255 - $177,503•Onsite

About The Position

AEP is seeking a finance leader with practical project finance experience and a strong grounding in corporate finance. The successful candidate will partner with business units, legal, accounting, tax, regulatory and external financing parties to structure and execute financing solutions for major infrastructure and strategic investments. The role’s primary emphasis is project finance, including evaluating bankability, allocating risk, coordinating diligence, developing financing structures and negotiating transaction terms. The position will also support corporate financing, capital structure, credit ratings, cost of capital and regulated utility finance matters. This is a transaction execution and financial strategy role, not a cash management or treasury operations position. The ideal candidate is energized by complex transactions, cross-functional problem solving and communicating financing recommendations to senior leaders and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field with solid understanding of financial theory.
At least 4 years of relevant experience within corporate banking, debt capital markets or corporate finance with direct experience in project finance, infrastructure finance, investment banking, or at least 6 years of adjacent experience that include 1 years of direct experience in project/infrastructure finance.
At least 6 years of relevant experience within corporate banking, debt capital markets or corporate finance with direct experience in project finance, infrastructure finance, investment banking, or at least 8 years of adjacent experience that include 3 years of direct experience in project/infrastructure finance.

Nice To Haves

Meaningful hands-on project finance experience is required. Relevant experience may include power, utilities, renewable energy, transmission, infrastructure or other capital-intensive sectors.
Working knowledge of project finance structures, credit analysis, financial modeling, due diligence, financing documentation and transaction execution.
Corporate finance experience involving capital structure, debt financing, credit ratings, cost of capital or financial planning is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the structuring, evaluation and execution of project financings, including non-recourse and limited-recourse structures, construction and term debt, secured facilities, private placements, leases and other fit-for-purpose financing solutions.
Assess project bankability and financing risk, including commercial terms, construction and completion risk, operating performance, contractual protections, counterparty strength, cash flow durability and lender requirements.
Coordinate transaction workstreams across internal teams and external advisors, including lenders, investment banks, legal counsel, rating agencies, independent engineers and other diligence providers.
Develop and review financial models, financing plans, sources-and-uses analyses, debt capacity assessments, sensitivity cases and recommendations that support investment and financing decisions.
Negotiate financing terms and documentation in partnership with legal counsel and business stakeholders and translate complex provisions into clear business implications for decisionmakers.
Execute corporate financing transactions, which may include term loans, secured or unsecured bonds, private placements, leases and other capital markets instruments.
Advise on capital structure, cost of capital, subsidiary financing strategy and credit metrics, including support for rating agency engagement and credit analysis.
Support financial planning and regulated utility proceedings by preparing analyses, work papers and clear explanations of financing assumptions, cost of debt and cost of capital.
Prepare concise, decision-oriented materials for executives, the Board of Directors and other stakeholders regarding financing alternatives, transaction status, risks and recommendations.
Provide leadership, coaching and technical guidance to Corporate Finance team members and promote effective collaboration across the organization.