Vice President, Finance

American Electric Power•Shreveport, LA

About The Position

This position actively manages and directs the financial strategy and performance for the operating company. The VP, Finance is a key advisor and business partner to the Executive Team of the operating company, The VP, Finance leads the development and execution of effective financial planning and operations. The VP, Finance tracks and provides timely decision useful financial information to the management team to support decision making and strategic direction. They will be able to anticipate and react to future business issues and provide early and insightful financial guidance to the organization. The VP, Finance will be responsible for overseeing the FP&A, Business Operations, and other ancillary functions. This person will provide leadership to the Finance team in support of business and operational goals.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Engineering, Finance, Management or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
Experience: 8+ years of related work experience including 3+ years of management experience leading a team of finance professionals

Responsibilities

Own and direct the operating company's financial strategies and plans as measured by the operating company’s profitability, operating cash flow, forecast accuracy, capital plans, expenses and earnings, etc.
Lead preparation of the long-range business plan, quarterly forecast and annual operating plan
Partner closely with VP, Regulatory on financial strategy and impact of all regulatory filings. Participate in regulatory hearings as required
Support the regulatory team in preparing necessary financial information for rate cases and other filings including actual and forecast data, regulatory adjustments and supporting schedules
Ensure rigorous business cases are developed for all investments
Oversee disciplined and robust cost management, identify areas of efficiency and work with key leaders to implement changes
Direct the O&M and Capital resource allocation in alignment with corporate strategy, financial targets and the regulatory plan
Provide operating company performance measurement reporting, including O&M and Capital variance analyses, identification of risks and opportunities and execute on necessary changes to deliver better financial performance.
Act as key commercial leader for all business development activities. Negotiate and execute all major financial transactions and contracts.
Key business partner for the broader operating company organization on financial matters. Support Operations teams on financial impact of decisions and provide support across the organization as business plans, forecasts and annual plans are developed.
Be comfortable challenging the business where necessary with a solution-oriented mindset to identify different courses of actions with greater operational and/or financial benefits.