Senior Accountant

Rock Energy Cooperative
Senior Accountant
Janesville, WI

Position Summary:
Rock Energy Cooperative is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Senior Accountant to support the Controller and the Accounting Department. This position is responsible for administering payroll, coordinating accounts payable activities, preparing account reconciliations, supporting financial reporting, and performing a variety of accounting functions. The Senior Accountant will play a key role in the month-end and year-end close process, financial audits, budgeting support, tax reporting, and special projects while helping ensure compliance with GAAP, cooperative policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities:
Payroll

• Manage bi-weekly payroll for all employees.
• Ensure payroll complies with federal and state regulations, Cooperative policies, and union agreements.
• Process payroll tax deposits and prepare all quarterly and annual payroll tax filings.
• Coordinate payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, benefits, and deductions with Human Resources.
• Prepare annual W-2s and other required payroll reporting.
• Coordinate and complete the annual workers' compensation audit.
• Respond to employee payroll and timekeeping inquiries.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency.

Accounts Payable

• Coordinate accounts payable activities with the part-time AP Specialist to ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices.
• Review invoices for appropriate approvals, coding, and supporting documentation.
• Manage weekly check runs and ACH payments.
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9s and Certificates of Insurance.
• Prepare and process annual Form 1099 reporting.
• Prepare monthly Wisconsin and Illinois sales and use tax returns.
• Assist in maintaining effective internal controls related to accounts payable.

Accounting & Financial Support

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for month-end and year-end close.
• Support the annual financial audit by preparing schedules, responding to audit requests, and coordinating requested information.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Assist in developing and improving accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial processes.
• Support cash management, miscellaneous receivables, and other accounting responsibilities as assigned.
• Help ensure compliance with GAAP, Cooperative policies, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a backup for key accounting functions to ensure continuity of operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Three to five years of accounting experience, preferably including payroll, accounts payable, and general ledger accounting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with accounting software (NISC a plus).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with utility or electric cooperative accounting.
• Knowledge of the FERC Uniform System of Accounts.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Experience in preparing sales and use tax returns.
• Experience preparing Forms 1099 and W-2.
• Experience supporting annual financial audits.
• Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.