NOTE: This position is being created in preparation for the future retirement of the current Director of Accounting and the incumbent will work closely with the Director to ensure a full transfer of knowledge and a smooth transition. The hope for this position is the incumbent will move into the Director role, but this is not guaranteed.
Summary:
The Manager of Accounting functions under the supervision of the Director of Accounting and is responsible for all areas relating to financial reporting. This position will be responsible for developing and maintaining accounting principles, practices and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements. The Manager of Accounting supervises accounting personnel and is responsible for managing the team to ensure that work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner. This position addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities including general ledger preparation, financial reporting, year-end audit preparation and the support of budget and forecast activities. The Manager of Accounting requires strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
Objectives:
Promote and adhere to A & N Electric Cooperative safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines.
To provide a complete and systematic set of subsidiary records and ledger accounts to record transactions and show the financial status of the system; to produce reports and financial statements.
To coordinate office activities of accounting personnel; to analyze and organize office operations and procedures; to plan and schedule work, train personnel and establish controls.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to: Director, Accounting
Supervises:
Staff Accountant(s), Sr.
Staff Accountant(s), Jr.
Payroll Associate
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for the completion of special projects relating to accounting which routinely encompass the entire organization.
Preparation, review and analysis of Virginia State Corporation Commission and other regulatory filings.
Coordinate office activities, training and schedules of accounting personnel.
Supervise and oversee accounting employees.
Assist, direct, and oversee accounting functions.
Responsible for oversight of the monthly and annual closing of the cooperative’s books.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reports.
Prepare annual RUS Form 7.
Assist in Compiling information for auditors for completion of Form 990.
Prepare analysis, research and special reports for the preparation of rate cases, audits, cost of service studies, financial forecast, special projects, etc.
Create and maintain numerous accounting spreadsheets and analyses.
Review all invoices before payment.
Work directly with auditors in the performance of the annual audit and with other state and federal auditors throughout the year.
Oversee periodic and yearly physical material inventory counts, reconciliations and adjustments.
Assist in researching, testing, implementing and providing training for new iVue ABS modules and processes, as well as other processes and procedures.
Participate as a member of various teams that contribute to the growth and future of the cooperative, both internally and externally.
Attending training and conferences to maintain a working knowledge of the latest policies, procedures and best practice.
Initiate changes to existing functions to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Annually attend and work at the Annual Meeting.
Review position descriptions for accounting personnel.
Coordinate training for accounting personnel.
Assist Director of Accounting, Director of Member Services and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Relationships:
Establish and maintain the following contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication between departments:
Internal:
Work with all departments concerning accounting related matters.
External:
Auditors, attorneys, and consultants
Banks
Lenders (i.e. RUS, CFC, Co-Bank, etc.)
National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)
Virginia State Corporation Commission and Maryland Public Service Commission
Industry specific associations (i.e. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; VA, MD, DE Association of Electric Cooperatives, etc.)
Tax authorities (i.e. Internal Revenue Service, Virginia Department of Taxation, etc.)
Other cooperatives
Vendors
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field preferred. CPA is preferred. NRECA courses in supervision or equivalent preferred. All of these preferred requirements may be substituted with equivalent experience.
Experience:
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible utility experience in a utility accounting environment, preferably a cooperative. Supervisory experience is preferred.
Job Knowledge:
Expertise in accounting concepts, practices, and procedures; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; RUS System of Accounts; cooperative policies; cooperative Terms and Conditions; cooperative Rate Schedules; general knowledge of utility agencies and associations such as Rural Utilities Service (RUS), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and Virginia, Maryland, Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC)
Must possess a thorough knowledge of all tasks within the accounting department to the extent of being able to direct training as necessary to refill or complete the work of all employees reporting to this position.
Abilities and Skills:
Must demonstrate expertise in a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures related to accounting.
Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Must be thorough and accurate in all work.
Ability to deal with a variety of people in difficult situations; plan, organize and direct work schedules; recognize, understand and resolve problems.
Must become proficient in the use of the company’s accounting software.
This position also requires proficiency in written and oral communications and organization.
Working Conditions:
Must work beyond normal hours on a regular basis as required for completion of duties. Overnight travel required on occasion.