Senior Manager, Technical Accounting

AES•Arlington, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Accounting (TA) team reviews and confirms conclusions on US GAAP accounting for all AES contracts and non-standard transactions that could materially impact the consolidated financial statements. This involves critically analyzing memoranda submitted by local business TA leads and Controllers, and thoroughly reviewing associated contracts. TA also promotes consistent accounting interpretations across AES by monitoring, understanding, applying, and sharing examples from other SBUs. Additionally, TA develops AES's US GAAP accounting policies and is responsible for US GAAP training. The Sr. Manager Technical Accounting will perform independent research of complex accounting transactions, prepare and review technical accounting memos from local businesses on various topics, and provide timely feedback. They will support internal and external audits, build strong relationships with cross-functional groups (Commercial, Treasury, Development, M&A, etc.) and local business counterparts. This individual is expected to develop Company-specific and industry knowledge to become a point of contact for accounting issues and support deliverables, delegating work as appropriate. They will lead due diligence and transaction reviews from an accounting standpoint for the M&A process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Certified Public Accountant with active license in the United States or equivalent.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience with a publicly-traded company under US GAAP and/or with a Big 4 firm auditing (preferably with concentration in technical accounting) publicly-traded companies under US GAAP.
Extensive experience in highly technical accounting areas.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills (especially for an executive-level audience), interpersonal skills and time/project management skills.
Must be proficient in personal computer skills and have strong research, interpersonal and project management skills.
Self-motivated and able to work in a team with limited supervision.
Strong analytical skills.
Must exhibit in-depth knowledge of US GAAP and be able to understand and interpret complex accounting guidance.

Nice To Haves

Energy/utility company industry accounting and/or audit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Research, document and review complex accounting transactions including those related to derivatives, revenue arrangements under ASC 606, leases under ASC 842 and consolidation accounting, among others.
Review documentation and research performed by others to ensure conclusions are fully researched, supported and consistent with precedent-setting global conclusions.
Assist the local TA teams by providing timely accounting analysis for proposed transactions as well as recommendations on deal structure as required to support the decision making by the M&A team and Senior Leadership.
Consult in design of transactions to achieve the desired earnings impact within GAAP guidance.
Provide supervision and leadership to more junior technical accounting staff.
Timely identify and effectively communicate/resolve issues to avoid financial statement errors.
Stay up to date on new accounting pronouncements and relevant GAAP issues and evaluate how they may impact the Company and ensure relevant information and accounting changes is provided to other departments when it impacts them.
Interpret the accounting policies, propose and review changes to accounting policies.
Prepare or participate in preparation of certain footnote disclosures for public financial statements.
Participate in the review of financial statements for external filings required by legal agreements and local laws and regulations on a consistent basis.
Manage discussions with engagement level partners and national office/professional practice directors with external auditors and/or consultants.
Develop and maintain adequate SOX compliance as it relates to technical accounting.
Assist in special accounting projects as assigned.