Description

This individual works within a collaborative team that monitors technical developments in the authoritative accounting guidance, directs the implementation of new accounting pronouncements, and analyzes intermediate to complex business transactions to support the development of FERC and GAAP compliant financial reporting for Southern Company and its affiliates.

The position will be expected to work with various parties in the business and external auditors to address a variety of technical accounting matters. These conclusions may be required to be presented informally to interested parties or via formal technical accounting memos or presentations. Additionally, the position may help prepare certain SEC footnotes to ensure compliance with quarterly and annual SEC filing requirements.

Summary of Position Duties

The primary responsibilities for the Research Accountant position include:

• Research and provide sound guidance on technical accounting and reporting issues to support the company’s subsidiaries.

• Review projects and contracts for proposed or completed transactions to determine and document the required technical accounting and financial statement disclosure impacts.

• Evaluate the impact of new accounting standards and participate in the adoption of the new standards.

• Assist in establishing company-wide accounting policies for the company and its various subsidiaries.

• Participate in the quarterly and annual financial reporting process.

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• BA/BS degree in accounting or equivalent academic education or experience

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent. Or actively pursuing certification.

Preferred:

• 3-5 years of experience in corporate financial or tax accounting, financial reporting, accounting research, internal or external audit, or equivalent.

• Research of FASB Codification experience is preferred. (Accounting topics of interest: software, stock compensation, leases, revenue, interest rate hedging, fuel commodity, and power purchase and sales contracts.)

• Utility accounting experience is desired.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of FASB and SEC accounting and reporting standards and requirements

• Understanding of the FERC regulatory rules and requirements unique to the utility industry (preferred)

• Comfortable interpreting and applying accounting policies and guidance, reaching sound conclusions, and making decisions.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively at all levels. Ability to communicate complex technical accounting to non-accounting employees in an effective manner.

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with accounting, auditing, various functional areas, and levels of management.

• Application, documentation, and maintenance of internal accounting policies.

• Must handle confidential and sensitive information.

Behavioral Attributes

• Candidate must demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Company’s value of Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance

• Comfortable in a team environment and collaborating with other individuals and teams

• Builds supportive relationships and maintains consistent communication throughout the organization

• Positive attitude, respects others and their opinions

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills

• Be flexible and a decision maker, understanding the broad implications of decisions and work activities

• Self-starter and results oriented

• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn and keep up to date with accounting guidance

• Exhibit a high degree of initiative and takes personal responsibility for assignments to ensure client needs are fully met

• Self-directed, proactive, and able to handle multiple projects and competing deadlines.

Other Requirements:

• Extended hours occasionally

• Travel – limited and usually within Southern Company footprint.

• Flexible hybrid work structure based in Atlanta, GA (preferred) or Birmingham, AL. The hybrid environment could change depending on organizational decisions.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 4710

Job Category: Accounting & Auditing

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services