Senior Accountant (Hybrid)

SERC Reliability Corporation • Charlotte, NC

56d • Hybrid

About The Position

The electric grid is vital to our everyday lives. It is fundamental for the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, and provides the platform for our economy and our societal and technological advances. SERC's mission is to reduce risks to the reliability and security of the electric grid (also known as the bulk power system), not only for today but also for the future. To achieve this mission, we maintain a diverse team of experts across numerous disciplines in order to address the complex, evolving, and dynamic challenges facing the grid. Our team also partners with the best and brightest individuals from both the power industry and the federal government to understand and address the challenges facing the grid. These key partnerships make our work more informed, pragmatic, responsive, and impactful. The Senior Accountant oversees a wide range of accounting functions, including full-cycle Accounts Payable, general ledger maintenance, and leading month-end close activities, while contributing to budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and related analysis that supports strategic decision-making. This role works closely with the Sr. Finance Manager and CFO to support accounting operations, ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies, and improve processes, systems, and workflows. The ideal candidate is motivated to take on increasingly complex responsibilities, can mentor others, and is technologically astute with the ability to evaluate and recommend financial tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of GAAP, accounting practices, and financial controls.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks independently with accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain financial details to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Self-driven, organized, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger, month-end close, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Public accounting or audit experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting financial software implementations or major system changes strongly desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required (advanced formulas, pivot tables, data manipulation).
• Experience with Sage MIP and SAP Concur is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes, including vendor setup, invoice processing, employee expense reports, customer billing, and 1099 reporting.
• Maintain the general ledger and prepare timely, accurate journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Lead month-end close, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established deadlines.
• Support cash management processes and identify discrepancies or variances proactively.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, including budget-to-actual results, and provide clear, actionable variance explanations to management.
• Support development of the annual budget, multi-year projections, and periodic forecasting updates.
• Build and maintain spreadsheets, models, and reports that support financial decision-making.
• Prepare financial presentations and supporting schedules for management and leadership.
• Lead preparation of annual IRS Form 990, property tax filings, and sales/use tax returns.
• Coordinate external financial audits, including managing audit schedules, documentation, and reconciliations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and SERC financial policies.
• Recommend improvements to strengthen controls, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Evaluate current financial tools and lead or support initiatives to recommend, implement, and optimize new systems as needed.
• Serve as the department ambassador for company document management tools (e.g., SharePoint).
• Provide user support and training on SAP Concur Invoice, Concur Expense, Sage MIP, and other finance-related systems.
• Create and maintain process documentation and SOPs.
• Mentor junior accounting staff and act as a team lead on projects or cross-functional initiatives.

Benefits

• SERC offers a competitive salary (DOE) and a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances total compensation.
• Benefits include generous PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, a bonus program, medical/dental/vision coverage, employer paid life, short- and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an organization contribution of up to 14%.
• We also provide a flexible hybrid work schedule and support for professional development.

What This Job Offers

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