Accountant - Financial Reporting

Accountant II - Financial ReportingAt Cleco, we're not just powering lives—we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we're transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco—where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.The Accountant II - Financial Reporting is a professional with knowledge of and some experience with Financial Reporting principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent is responsible for assisting management with the timely and accurate preparation and distribution of periodic financial statements and other financial data for external and internal use. The incumbent ensures that reports, filings, and documentation comply with company and governmental regulations, professional standards, and SEC and GAAP reporting requirements. The incumbent performs Financial Reporting work that is varied with some complexity and usually has some precedent. The incumbent is responsible for the completion of assigned processes or activities requiring interpretation of Accounting/Financial Reporting practices. The incumbent contributes to the identification of improvements to enhance Financial Reporting activities and procedures. The incumbent assists in the onboarding of entry-level employees with Financial Reporting responsibilities. The incumbent enhances working relationships and networks with internal and external parties for collaboration on procedures or activities and may begin to advise others on standard Financial Reporting matters. The incumbent communicates ideas and information, whether verbal or written, in a clear and concise manner conducive to a positive work environment. The incumbent respects others' points of view through engagement and interest and uses relevant knowledge, know-how, and skills to explain and clarify thoughts and ideas.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide day to day technical execution of defined activities to support the delivery of Financial Reporting initiatives required to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, and innovative objectivesWork independently and receive limited guidance; tasks include preparing portions of regulatory filings such as SEC Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, and FERC Forms 1and 3Q as well as other monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements; tasks may also include assisting with the preparation of the cash flow statementParticipate in monthly closing processes through review of reports and financial statements; work with the Financial System Support team to ensure the financial reporting system/structure appropriately responds to changing accounting or reporting requirementsProvide high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders in response to questions pertaining to Financial Reporting's processes, procedures, and reporting responsibilities, including information contained within reports prepared by Financial ReportingSupport Financial Reporting Management with the development and implementation of appropriate metrics to manage business risks and improve decision making; consider future implications beyond an immediate problemParticipate in the analysis of historical data and identify trends to increase accountability and improve decision making for Financial Reporting, and contribute to the development of reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organizationActively engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance Financial Reporting service delivery and processes; identify areas to automate routine manual tasks; leverage resources and tools for continuous quality improvement of Financial Reporting's deliverablesStay up to date with all department software (e.g., Workiva) with a continued focus on utilizing tools to improve accuracy and efficiency of Financial Reporting; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operationsChampion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, sense of belonging, customer service, and operational excellenceQualificationsRequired Education, Skills & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field3+ years of related experienceExperience with Utility Accounting, Finance, and Financial Systems/SAP preferredKnowledge of GAAP and Internal Control processesExperience with Microsoft tools and applications requiredStrong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and project management skillsAbility to manage multiple projects, tasks, and requests concurrentlyAbility to work efficiently and effectively in a tight deadline driven environmentStrong verbal and written communication skills that are efficient and effectiveWillingness and ability to learn new technologies on the jobAbility to exercise judgment with little direction/guidance but also knows when to escalate to Financial Reporting ManagementProficient at functioning effectively individually or within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial mannerProgression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data.Licenses and CertificationsKey CompetenciesBEHAVIORALBuilding PartnershipsLeading TeamsBusiness AcumenCommunicationCourageBuilding Self-InsightDriving for ResultsEnergizing the OrganizationDriving ExecutionBuilding Trusting RelationshipsDriving InnovationPlanning and OrganizingSafetyEstablishing Strategic DirectionTECHNICALCore AccountingFinancial Reporting & Data AnalysisIndustry & Business KnowledgeRisk ManagementBusiness PartneringProject & Change ManagementFinancial Transaction ManagementFinancial SystemsGovernance & Internal ControlRegulatory AccountingMay perform other duties as assigned. Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.