What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Accountant position at APPALACHIAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE?
Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) proudly serves more than 50,000 members across the scenic heart of East Tennessee, in the shadow of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains—one of America's most beloved national parks, renowned for its ancient ridges, misty blue vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures.
We own and maintain a reliable electric distribution system spanning approximately 600 square miles in the beautiful counties of Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, and Sevier. This region blends rolling Appalachian foothills, sparkling lakes like Cherokee and Douglas, lush forests, and the dramatic gateway to the Smokies in Sevier County—home to iconic destinations like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the park's breathtaking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks.
Nestled in this vibrant, nature-rich corner of Tennessee, AEC powers communities where stunning mountain scenery meets small-town charm, rich history, and year-round natural beauty.
We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Accountant position. This role is responsible for the preparation of a variety of monthly accounting reports and the review of transactions for completeness, accuracy, and in conformance with AEC accounting standards.
At AEC, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer a competitive salary and a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave; a 401(k); and a company-funded pension plan. Benefits are available starting at the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
Appalachian Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
AEC IS A TENNESSEE DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Reconcile general ledger accounts to subsidiary ledgers or supporting schedules to ensure the accuracy of financial reporting
· Prepare monthly AEC board reports
· Review monthly bank reconciliations for completeness and prepare some on occasion.
· Perform month end general ledger closing including preparation of adjusting entries
· Prepare audit schedules and provide support for AEC’s outside auditors
· Provide miscellaneous accounting reports as needed.
· Runs appropriate reports, including month-end, year-end, accounts payable and other duties as required.
· Maintains plant asset accounts and related depreciation, along with general plant retirements.
· Performs all duties in accordance with AEC’s safety, personnel and service practices and policies
· Occasionally works outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends
· Assists as needed during storm or emergency outages
· Travel occasionally as required for training and meetings
· Regular on time attendance is required
· Performs other miscellaneous duties as requested
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Bachelors degree or four-year degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university required
- 5 years relevant work experience in an accounting role required
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an insurable driving record
Skills and Abilities
- Knowledgeable of standard accounting practices
- Knowledgeable of the standard practices, tools, and terminology of the electric power industry including a basic understanding and knowledge of fiber optic construction and operations
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with members, vendors and employees
- Ability to manage and support employees performing various tasks on multiple projects
- Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a team
- Support accurate and timely submission of AEC’s timekeeping processing and systems
- Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and NISC programs
Work Environment
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
- Sit, stand, and walk throughout the day
- Operate a desktop or tablet computer, keyboard, and mouse
- Reach with hands and arms
- Talk and hear
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift, push/pull, and/or move up to 10 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision
- The position is primarily in an indoor working environment
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate