Accountant

Accountant

The Accountant supports the financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and member-focused mission of the electric power cooperative. This position performs general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, budgeting support, and analysis of utility-related transactions. The Accountant partners with operations, engineering, power supply, and other departments to ensure accurate and timely accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applicable regulatory requirements, cooperative policies, and internal controls.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and post journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity and investigate unusual balances, variances, and reconciling items.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements, management reports, board materials, and regulatory or lender reporting.
• Support accounting for purchased power, transmission costs, member revenues, and related settlements, as applicable.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, procurement, accounts payable, billing, and other departments to obtain complete and accurate accounting information.
• Support compliance with applicable accounting guidance, cooperative loan covenants, grant requirements, tax filings, and regulatory reporting, including Rural Utilities Service or other utility-specific requirements when applicable.
• Maintain documentation of accounting procedures and internal controls; recommend practical process improvements.
• Provide information and schedules for external auditors, tax preparers, lenders, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, data validation, and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the cooperative's mission and business needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• Two or more years of professional accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, financial statements, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn enterprise resource planning, utility accounting, and reporting systems.
• Ability to analyze detailed financial information, identify discrepancies, and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage deadlines with accuracy and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an electric cooperative, public power organization, investor-owned utility, generation and transmission cooperative, or other regulated utility environment.
• Knowledge of utility plant accounting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Uniform System of Accounts, Rural Utilities Service requirements, or cooperative financial reporting.
• Certified Public Accountant designation, CPA eligibility, or progress toward a relevant professional certification.

Core Competencies

• Accuracy and Accountability: Produces reliable work, follows issues through resolution, and takes ownership of results.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates financial information, identifies trends, and develops well-supported conclusions.
• Collaboration: Builds productive relationships across technical and nontechnical teams.
• Communication: Explains accounting matters clearly in writing and conversation.
• Service Orientation: Supports the cooperative's commitment to dependable, affordable electric service and responsible stewardship of member resources.
• Continuous Improvement: Looks for efficient, controlled, and scalable ways to improve processes.

Additional Information

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with extended periods of computer use. The position may require occasional travel to cooperative facilities, meetings, training events, or project sites. The employee must be able to communicate effectively, access and review electronic and paper records, and perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description summarizes the primary duties and qualifications of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change based on operational needs. The cooperative is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.