Manager - Energy Accounting

At 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 Manager - Energy Accounting is a senior level professional with deep and extensive knowledge and experience with Energy/Back Office Accounting principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent leads all day-to-day activities in the Energy/Back Office Accounting function, is responsible for the reconciliation and settlement of commodity purchases/sales and prepares financial statement disclosures for commodity derivatives. The incumbent works closely with financial leadership to meet business expectations for the Energy/Back Office Accounting function by contributing to development of strategic and operational Energy/Back Office Accounting plans and ensures they are in line with corporate and functional strategy. The incumbent drives continual improvement of Energy/Back Office Accounting processes and systems, and mentors and develops staff with Energy/Back Office Accounting responsibilities. Key Responsibilities Contribute to the design and development of procedures, processes and systems related to Energy/Back Office Accounting operations; maintain compliance with internal controls and procedures related to Energy/Back Office Accounting, and ensure that all transactions are properly recorded in financial systems Leads the team in all aspects of Energy Accounting including monthly close, analyses, financial and regulatory reporting, fuel audits, and solve accounting-related problems for regulated and unregulated business by working closely with key stakeholders Review inventory reconciliations for natural gas and solid fuels volume accuracy; oversee the calculation of deferred fuel based on fuel revenues and fuel expenses Approve month-end close accounting entries and account reconciliation; review analytical research of settlement discrepancies; approve mark to market journal entries of commodity derivatives; prepare financial statement disclosures for commodity derivatives Monitor commodity transactions to ensure they are correctly captured in the transaction management system, ensuring data quality; understand contract details, fees, rates, and payment schedules to ensure all items for settlement are captured in a timely manner Supervise the preparation of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) FAC and EAC filings; supervise the preparation of the periodic FERC filings (EQR, FERC 580 and EIA923) Ensure commodity trading transactions are recorded and reported in compliance with SOX processes; analyze, develop, and implement internal policies and procedures across the Energy/Back Office Accounting function to improve team efficiency and automation, resulting in overall cost savings Lead the development of analytical reporting tools, variance reporting, and assist with internal and external audits and issuance of audited financial statements Use data and analytics to support continuous improvements to reduce costs and improve program quality; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP, FASD, PCI, Horizon, and Tenaska) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations and enhance cycle times Develop metrics and analyses of historical data and trends to improve decision making for organizational function and increase accountability; develop reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organization Maintain solid business relationships with key stakeholders to proactively support business objectives within the finance team and external stakeholders to drive success; coordinate work with Risk Management to understand contract pricing and risk management impacts Develop and evaluate employees to enhance their performance and development; communicate individual and team performance expectations with regular progress review and hold staff accountable to defined project milestones Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence Requi Strong business acumen pertaining to the Utility industry Core knowledge of Finance principles, theories and concepts, and knowledge of related Local and Federal laws and regulations related to Energy/Back Office Accounting Strong Knowledge of leading practices in Energy/Back Office Accounting Ability to manage high workloads and conflicting priorities, and drive issues to resolution while maintaining an atmosphere of collaboration Ability to function effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner Strong analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills to interpret Finance KPIs/metrics and derive insights into actionable opportunities Ability to operate effectively and proactively with an employee centric mindset Detailed-oriented and high work standards in support of seamless execution Strong interpersonal, negotiation, communications, writing, speaking, and listening skills Required Education, Skills & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or related field, Master’s degree preferred 5+ years of related experience 5+ years People Management experience preferred Experience and ability to lead staff across projects towards a common vision Experience with financial systems/SAP preferred Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required Knowledge of GAAP, Internal Control processes This level is based only on availability in approved org design/structure; strict adherence is required. Progression to this level is strictly restricted on the basis of critical individual capabilities and business requirements Licenses and Certifications Understanding of MISO Environment preferred Key Competencies BEHAVIORAL Building Organizational Talent* Building Partnerships Leading Teams Business Acumen Communication Courage Building Self-Insight Building Talent* Driving for Results Energizing the Organization Driving Execution Building Trusting Relationships Driving Innovation Planning and Organizing Safety Establishing Strategic Direction TECHNICAL Core Accounting Financial Reporting & Data Analysis Industry & Business Knowledge Regulatory Accounting Risk Management Financial Systems Business Partnering Financial Transaction Management Project and Change Management Governance & Internal Control May perform other duties as assigned. Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.