Principal Accountant

Description Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the world's most innovative and leading cloud computing service providers, and our data center infrastructure is the backbone that powers it all. As AWS continues its global expansion, we are making significant investments in energy procurement to ensure our data centers operate reliably, sustainably, and at scale. We take pride in building the right controllership from day one — and that means hiring specialists who raise the bar. In support of AWS's continued growth to build out and energize data centers, we are seeking a seasoned ASC 815 subject matter expert with deep expertise in derivative identification, valuation, and accounting within the power and utility industry to join our Energy Accounting team. Evaluate complex power purchase and energy supply agreements for derivative features under the ASC 815 Identify embedded and freestanding derivative features within energy contracts and clearly articulate which provisions give rise to derivative accounting Propose non-derivative structuring alternatives to the business stakeholders — proactively advising on contract terms that avoid derivative classification or qualify for the Normal Purchases and Normal Sales (NPNS) scope exception Lead end-to-end valuations for agreements concluded to be derivatives, applying appropriate methodologies commensurate with the size, complexity, and risk profile of each agreement Partner directly with business stakeholders and customers during contract negotiation to provide real-time ASC 815 guidance, ensuring accounting implications are understood and addressed before execution Assess NPNS scope exception eligibility, including documentation of designation, probability of physical delivery, and evaluation of optionality and penalty provisions Evaluate regulatory approval considerations under ASC 815-10-15-59(e) and their impact on derivative classification Key job responsibilities Serve as the lead ASC 815 subject matter expert for the Energy Accounting team, owning the derivative assessment process for all new and modified energy agreements Identify embedded derivative features within host contracts and determine bifurcation requirements Evaluate contracts for the NPNS scope exception, including documentation of physical delivery probability, optionality analysis, and penalty term assessment under ASC 440 Assess regulatory approval requirements and their implications for derivative classification Partner with business and finance stakeholders during the negotiation of power purchase and energy supply agreements, providing proactive ASC 815 guidance Work directly with stakeholders and counterparties to understand contract terms and propose structuring alternatives that achieve business objectives while managing accounting complexity Propose non-derivative alternatives — advise on contract modifications, structuring options, and term adjustments that avoid derivative classification or enable NPNS election Research and write position papers addressing complex technical accounting topics, including derivatives/financial instruments (ASC 815), fair value measurement (ASC 820), leasing (ASC 842), consolidation (ASC 810), and commitments (ASC 440) Support the period-end close process by ensuring the accurate and timely completion of all derivative-related accounting entries, reconciliations, and analytical reviews Design and assess internal controls over derivative identification, valuation, and reporting processes Drive projects, process improvements, and new system implementations Basic Qualifications 12+ years of tax, finance or a related analytical field experience 7+ years of finance technology, forecast & budgeting, or other finance-focused competency experience Experience with Tableau, Python, SQB, Quicksight, Cognos or or other BI packages Preferred Qualifications MBA, or CPA Experience in a leadership position managing finance, accounting and operational processes Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner. The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&DD insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at USA, CA, Culver City - 139,100.00 - 188,200.00 USD annually USA, MA, Boston - 139,100.00 - 188,200.00 USD annually USA, OR, Portland - 139,100.00 - 188,200.00 USD annually USA, TN, Nashville - 125,200.00 - 169,400.00 USD annually USA, TX, Austin - 139,100.00 - 188,200.00 USD annually USA, VA, Arlington - 139,100.00 - 188,200.00 USD annually USA, WA, Seattle - 139,100.00 - 188,200.00 USD annually Company Amazon.com Services LLC Job ID: A10405238 #J-18808-Ljbffr