Staff Accountant II or III

Southern Company•Naperville, IL

About The Position

This position supports Plant Accounting activities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and Southern Company Gas policies. Responsibilities include fixed asset accounting, capital project accounting, month‑end close activities, and financial analysis. The role partners with internal stakeholders, shared services, and external auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and timely execution of accounting deliverables.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
3–10 years of progressive accounting experience
Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP
Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills
High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain strong internal controls
Effective written and verbal communication skills across multiple organizational levels
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Strong organizational, time‑management, and prioritization skills
Ability to collaborate effectively and build strong working relationships
Executes work with accuracy, accountability, and timeliness
Demonstrates continuous learning and critical thinking
Build trust and collaborate through inclusive teamwork
Demonstrates sound business and regulatory acumen
Extended computer and keyboard use
Review of financial data and reports in digital systems

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or progress toward certification
Experience with Oracle General Ledger
Experience with PowerPlan Projects and Assets
Experience in utility, energy, or regulated industries

Responsibilities

Apply sound accounting principles and U.S. GAAP knowledge to plant and fixed asset accounting activities
Support fixed asset transactional processing including additions, retirements, transfers, and adjustments across accounting systems
Perform and review month‑end close activities, including preparation, review, upload, and posting of journal entries related to fixed assets, depreciation, and leases
Analyze accounting activity for discrepancies, coding errors, and compliance issues; research and resolve items or escalate as appropriate
Prepare and maintain balance sheet account reconciliations and monthly roll‑forward schedules with complete and accurate supporting documentation
Research and resolve reconciling items in compliance with corporate policies and internal controls
Review supporting documentation for new capital projects to ensure appropriate approvals, classifications, and accounting treatment
Monitor and manage capital work orders throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring timely closure and accurate unitization of completed projects
Support testing, validation, and implementation of financial system enhancements and upgrades
Prepare standard and ad‑hoc financial reports, analyses, and supporting schedules
Apply professional judgment when performing estimates, calculations, and accounting evaluations
Collaborating with Plant Accounting, Shared Services, Operations, Engineering, and external auditors to meet reporting and compliance requirements
Provide regulatory accounting support, including participation in FERC and/or Form 21 reporting, depreciation studies, audits, and rate cases
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned while meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced, regulated environment