Senior Technical Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Our Company

More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life.

Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably. 

Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees. 

Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package.

Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance.

*Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups

Position Purpose

Accounting is responsible for the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ accounting activities as well as providing information to support internal and external financial reporting. The accounting group’s primary responsibilities include:

• Preparing complete and accurate financial statements under US GAAP and other applicable standards, such as FERC guidelines, as well as providing financial information to support internal reporting for management Designing, implementing, and executing internal controls over financial reporting
• Recording journal entries to appropriately capture all transactions and estimates necessary for complete and accurate financial information
• Reconciling all the Company’s balance sheet accounts
• Supporting the Company’s strategic initiatives and providing accounting, financial, and business insights
• Keeping current on all standard setting activities, including accounting, financial reporting, regulatory, and sustainability

The Senior Technical Accountant is a key member of the accounting team and works with other departments to ensure complete and accurate financial reporting. This high-profile position requires strong technical, communication, and leadership skills. The incumbent is responsible for preparing and reviewing the Company’s financial reporting. The position monitors and researches FASB and SEC activities to identify potential rule changes that may impact the Company and assess their effects. This pivotal role also assists with technical accounting, memo creation, and process implementation to support overall reporting.

Principal Responsibilities

Time %

Responsibilities

40%

Technical Accounting:

• Assist in the preparing and review of financial reporting
• Ensure information provided in the financial statements presented to senior management as well as filed with external agencies such as the SEC, FERC, and state utility regulators) is a true representation of the Company’s financial position in accordance with US GAAP and regulatory reporting standards
• Provide financial analytics, including periodic fluctuation analysis, budget to actual analysis, cash flow analysis, trend analysis, and peer/industry comparisons
• Research and benchmark new and existing pronouncements or technical updates as needed
• Research and resolve accounting issues including the evaluation and implementation of new accounting pronouncements
• Prepare and review Company accounting technical memos that document the Company’s application of US GAAP or regulatory reporting standards

25%

Accounting Operations : 

• Preparing and reviewing information presented in various internal and external financial reports, including information presented to senior management as well as information filed with external agencies (such as the SEC, FERC, and state utility regulators)
• Presenting certain operating and financial results and any related analysis on a periodic basis
• Preparing and reviewing evidentiary responses to data requests related to the requirements of or proceedings with the Company’s regulators 
• Supporting the Company’s annual operating and capital budgets
• Supporting the Company’s strategic priorities and identifying opportunities for strategic analysis
• Providing guidance to accounting team members and other departments on best practices for financial reporting and current reporting developments
• This role is a key member of the general accounting team and is expected to contribute to the team’s ability to provide complete and accurate financial reporting in a timely manner

15%

Audit Support:

• Manage and review Prepared by Client (PBC) list by gathering financial data, journal entries, and supporting schedules.
• Act as the primary point of contact to resolve auditor questions 
• Lead walkthroughs of complex accounting cycles
• Align with auditors on accounting policy changes

10%

Reporting and Accounting Research : 

• Researching and resolving accounting issues including the evaluation and implementation of new accounting pronouncements to ensure compliance with US GAAP and regulatory reporting standards
• Preparing and reviewing Company accounting position papers that document the Company’s application of US GAAP or regulatory reporting standards to specific transactions or accounts
• Developing and communicating recommendations on the application of accounting guidance to specific transactions or accounts
• Working closely with other Company departments to ensure all relevant information is considered and incorporated into any accounting assessment

10%

Internal controls:  

• Partner with internal audit to document, test, and improve Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
• Assisting the Accounting Manager and Controller with ensuring that all monthly and quarterly internal control activities for the accounting department are completed in a timely manner
• Coordinating, reviewing, developing, and updating the Company’s policies and procedures related to accounting and financial reporting

n/a

Must be available to assist in the Company’s storm restoration efforts

 

Qualifications

• Active Certified Public Accounting license
• Public accounting experience or utility company experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, MBA or Advanced Degree Preferred 
• 5-8 years of accounting experience or equivalent
• Proficient in technical accounting and financial reporting 
• High pressure, deadline sensitive, extended work schedule may be required. 

Unitil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Last update: 08-28-26