Job Summary:
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.
Job Responsibilities & Accountabilities by Competency
Functional Expertise:
- 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
Business Acumen:
- 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.
- Well-developed professional expertise and decision-making abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to identify errors, problems and opportunities (i.e. a continuous improvement in mindset)
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
Engagement:
- 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
- Committed to continuous development and enhancement of speaking and writing skills to communicate often complex and nuanced accounting guidance and/or contractual provisions to employees at all levels of the organization in a clear and effective manner
- Collaborates and builds effective relationships with stakeholders.
- Coordinates cross-functional technical review and implementation teams.
- Willingness to work occasional overtime as necessary to serve our customers in a timely manner; is self-motivated and highly accountable.
Driving Results:
- Responsible for monitoring progress against goals/deliverables; holds self and other accountable for results.
- Follows organizational policies and procedures.
- Provides continuous process improvement suggestions and may oversee implementing them.
Qualifications:
- Education, Certifications/Licenses:
Required:
- BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent academic education or experience
Preferred:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Master’s degree with concentration or major in accounting
Work Experience:
Required:
- 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
Preferred:
- 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
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
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). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 17726
Job Category: Accounting & Auditing
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: AGL Services Company
