Technical Accounting Research, Sr Accountant II

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

This individual works as part of a collaborative team to monitor and report on
technical developments in the authoritative accounting guidance, direct 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. Our 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 of which we are a part (e.g., plant and utility
accounting, financial reporting, corporate accounting, budget/financial
planning). 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, 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 required.

Work environment is 4 days on-site.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent academic education or experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience with increasing responsibility in corporate accounting, financial reporting, accounting research, public accounting (audit or transaction services), internal audit, or equivalent
• Experience producing well-written accounting narratives, memos, or other process documents
• Experience reading and interpreting complex contracts, regulations, and other legal documents
• Experience reading and interpreting authoritative and interpretive accounting guidance, with familiarity with most of the following FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics: revenue recognition leases internal-use software consolidations / variable interest entities goodwill and other intangible assets pension / post-employment benefit plans
• Continuing professional education in accounting as appropriate
• Build good working relationships with peers and interact well with executives
• Able to communicate details of complex business transactions and applicable authoritative accounting guidance effectively, both verbally and in writing

Nice To Haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Master’s degree with concentration or major in accounting
• Utility or energy industry accounting experience
• Public accounting auditing experience at the manager level.
• SEC financial reporting experience
• Financial valuation and/or asset impairment assessment experience

Responsibilities

• Determines and directs the appropriate accounting (recording) and/or disclosure for complex business transactions or the implementation of accounting rules across the Southern Company Gas organization
• Prepares formal written documentation of analysis, conclusions and support for conclusions
• May prepare and/or review data requests, reports and schedules for regulatory agencies (state public utility commissions, etc.)
• Assists in coordinating with Southern Company Accounting Research Team in implementation of new accounting guidance and/or internal policies
• Participates in and/or leads special projects, such as the implementation of new accounting pronouncements or policies across the organization, often dealing directly with executives in various business units
• Reviews and analyzes financial information relating to various specialized accounting areas (e.g., leases, asset retirement obligations in plant, construction contracts, etc.); uses professional judgment and expertise to interpret complex contracts, legal documents, and accounting literature, making recommendations to senior management, and communicating positions to internal and independent auditors.
• Works with customers (internal and external) to resolve problems; answers questions, and provides accounting guidance and recommendations; strong desire to serve others and make their jobs easier or more effective; responds to requests quickly
• Responsible for monitoring progress against goals/deliverables; holds self and other accountable for results.
• Provides continuous process improvement suggestions and may oversee implementing them.

Benefits

• Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a 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.
• This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s).

What This Job Offers

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