Senior Accountant I or II

This individual works as part of a collaborative team to monitor and report on technical developments in the authoritative accounting guidance, assist in the implementation of new accounting pronouncements, and analyze intermediate to complex business transactions to support the development of GAAP compliant financial statements and external financial reporting. Our customer base is diverse and consists of four state-regulated natural gas utilities, an unregulated gas marketing services organization, a portfolio of equity investments in gas pipeline entities, and other components of the shared services organization of which we are a part (e.g., plant and utility accounting, financial reporting, corporate accounting, budget/financial planning).  The position will also be required to document background information, analysis, and accounting determinations on specific transactions or issues in formal technical accounting memos. 

Additionally, position will include independent auditor interaction (preparation/review of technical recommendations and face-to-face communication) and at times assist in resolving matters pertaining to quarterly and annual SEC financial filings.  The position will also prepare and update formal accounting policy and procedure modules as authoritative guidance and internal policy changes require. 

Key Responsibilities

A typical day in this role may include:

• Monitoring and reporting on new and emerging authoritative accounting guidance
• Analyzing complex business transactions and determining appropriate accounting treatment and disclosures
• Assisting with the implementation of new accounting standards across the Southern Company Gas organization
• Preparing formal written technical accounting memoranda documenting analysis, conclusions, and supporting rationale
• Coordinating with the Southern Company Accounting Research Team on accounting guidance implementation and policy changes
• Preparing and/or reviewing data requests, reports, and schedules for regulatory bodies (e.g., state public utility commissions), as applicable
• Participating in or leading special projects, including organization‑wide implementation of new accounting pronouncements or internal policies
• Supporting independent auditor interactions, including preparation and review of technical recommendations and direct communication
• Assisting with matters related to quarterly and annual SEC financial filings, as needed
• Preparing, updating, and maintaining formal accounting policies and procedures

This Position Is for You If You:

• Possess strong technical accounting expertise and professional judgment
• Are comfortable interpreting complex accounting guidance, contracts, and legal documents
• Communicate complex and nuanced accounting matters clearly and effectively
• Demonstrate strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills
• Can prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a deadline‑driven environment
• Are collaborative, customer‑focused, and proactive in resolving issues
• Are self‑motivated, accountable, and open to occasional overtime

Qualifications

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent academic education or experience

Preferred:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Master’s degree with a concentration or major in Accounting

Work Experience

Required:

• Minimum of 2–4 years of progressive experience with increasing responsibility in corporate accounting, financial reporting, accounting research, public accounting (audit or transaction services), internal audit, or equivalent
• Experience reading and interpreting authoritative accounting guidance, including familiarity with several of the following FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics: 
  • Revenue recognition
  • Leases
  • Internal‑use software
  • Consolidations / variable interest entities
  • Goodwill and other intangible assets
  • Pension and post‑employment benefit plans
• Ongoing continuing professional education in accounting, as appropriate
• Ability to build effective working relationships and interact well with peers and executive leadership
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters clearly

Preferred:

• Utility or energy industry accounting experience
• Public accounting audit experience at the manager level
• SEC financial reporting experience
• Experience preparing high‑quality accounting memos or technical documentation
• Experience interpreting complex contracts, regulations, or legal documents
• Financial valuation and/or asset impairment assessment experience
• Experience applying, documenting, and maintaining internal accounting controls, including Sarbanes‑Oxley Act and COSO Internal Control Framework requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including the ability to conduct in‑depth accounting research for new standards or complex transactions
• Familiarity with multiple FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational, planning, and cross‑functional coordination skills
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when needed

Preferred:

• Supervisory‑level SEC financial reporting experience
• Experience performing financial statement audits across multiple industries
• Finance skills, including exposure to valuations and derivatives

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Travel Requirements:

• Infrequent travel 10%, which may include air travel and occasional overnight stays

Work Environment:

•  Work environment with in‑office requirements up to four days per week, combined with work‑from‑home opportunities, subject to evolving company and departmental guidelines

Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job.  The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.