Senior Accountant I or II

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

This individual works as part of a collaborative team to monitor and report on technical developments in the authoritative accounting guidance, assist in the implementation of new accounting pronouncements, and analyze intermediate to complex business transactions to support the development of GAAP compliant financial statements and external financial reporting. The customer base is diverse and consists of four state-regulated natural gas utilities, an unregulated gas marketing services organization, a portfolio of equity investments in gas pipeline entities, and other components of the shared services organization. The position will also be required to document background information, analysis, and accounting determinations on specific transactions or issues in formal technical accounting memos. Additionally, the position will include independent auditor interaction (preparation/review of technical recommendations and face-to-face communication) and at times assist in resolving matters pertaining to quarterly and annual SEC financial filings. The position will also prepare and update formal accounting policy and procedure modules as authoritative guidance and internal policy changes require.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent academic education or experience
• Minimum of 2–4 years of progressive experience with increasing responsibility in corporate accounting, financial reporting, accounting research, public accounting (audit or transaction services), internal audit, or equivalent
• Experience reading and interpreting authoritative accounting guidance, including familiarity with several of the following FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics: Revenue recognition, Leases, Internal‑use software, Consolidations / variable interest entities, Goodwill and other intangible assets, Pension and post‑employment benefit plans
• Ongoing continuing professional education in accounting, as appropriate
• Ability to build effective working relationships and interact well with peers and executive leadership
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters clearly
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including the ability to conduct in‑depth accounting research for new standards or complex transactions
• Familiarity with multiple FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational, planning, and cross‑functional coordination skills
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when needed

Nice To Haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Master’s degree with a concentration or major in Accounting
• Utility or energy industry accounting experience
• Public accounting audit experience at the manager level
• SEC financial reporting experience
• Experience preparing high‑quality accounting memos or technical documentation
• Experience interpreting complex contracts, regulations, or legal documents
• Financial valuation and/or asset impairment assessment experience
• Experience applying, documenting, and maintaining internal accounting controls, including Sarbanes‑Oxley Act and COSO Internal Control Framework requirements
• Supervisory‑level SEC financial reporting experience
• Experience performing financial statement audits across multiple industries
• Finance skills, including exposure to valuations and derivatives

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and reporting on new and emerging authoritative accounting guidance
• Analyzing complex business transactions and determining appropriate accounting treatment and disclosures
• Assisting with the implementation of new accounting standards across the Southern Company Gas organization
• Preparing formal written technical accounting memoranda documenting analysis, conclusions, and supporting rationale
• Coordinating with the Southern Company Accounting Research Team on accounting guidance implementation and policy changes
• Preparing and/or reviewing data requests, reports, and schedules for regulatory bodies (e.g., state public utility commissions), as applicable
• Participating in or leading special projects, including organization‑wide implementation of new accounting pronouncements or internal policies
• Supporting independent auditor interactions, including preparation and review of technical recommendations and direct communication
• Assisting with matters related to quarterly and annual SEC financial filings, as needed
• Preparing, updating, and maintaining formal accounting policies and procedures

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• Additional compensation, such as an incentive program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees