Manager, Accounting Operations

Summary

The Manager, Accounting Operations works within the Controller’s organization, and will have direct people management responsibility for the Accounting Operations team. The Manager will provide essential day-to-day operational oversight, strengthening operations, while partnering across departments to enhance financial reporting and controls.

The Manager will be a key contributor in process improvement initiatives, leveraging ERP systems and other tools and technology to gain efficiencies across accounting process workflows, harnessing automation and Responsible AI usage.

Major Responsibilities include:

• Managing the monthly, and year end close processes to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Support the annual audit process by liaising with external auditors to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate with various groups to support preparation of financial statements, management reports, and external reporting as needed.
• Assist in preparing mid-year and annual financial reports according to governmental accounting standards and regulatory requirements, including supporting schedules.
• Oversee day to day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, journal entries, account reconciliations, and subledger integration.
• Ensure that financial statements and accounts are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Ensure proper support to meet business requirements of financial and non-financial controls

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in General Accounting Operations, along with supervisory experience to support the people management scope of the role. They must be well versed in working with ERP platforms and utilizing emerging technologies to improve productivity and efficiencies around various accounting work streams, and prior experience with SAP S4/Hana will be helpful. They should be comfortable with learning new technology and tools, and supporting efforts to automate and optimize accounting processes.

Preferred credentials and experience include a graduate degree or MBA, CPA licensure, SAP S4/Hana ERP experience, work experience within the Utility industry, familiarity or experience with FERC and/or GASB accounting rules.

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Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation of annual cost accounting studies, by assessing and reviewing costs associated with NYPA’s energy services programs and initiatives.
• Advise and provide recommendations to senior managers on pricing/cost allocations for new services and programs.
• Managing the general accounting function and oversee the completion of the monthly financial statements and presentation to various stakeholders during monthly review meeting.
• Ensure that financial statements and accounts are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Ensure proper support to meet business requirements of financial and non-financial controls.
• Lead in maintaining the accuracy and timeliness of accounting records for fixed assets, and cost distribution.
• Maintain the FERC chart of accounts in direct support of Corporate Finance for cost of service.
• Manage and develop a professional staff. Provide technical guidance and direction and provide authoritative guidance on accounting matters to NYPA management and staff.
• Close involvement in reviewing and determining the accounting aspects of complex and varied market transactions.
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced accounting knowledge.
• Advanced understanding of utility industry accounting and cost allocation practices.
• Advanced understanding of general ledger structure and financial reporting preferably in SAP environment.
• Advanced analytical and application skills.
• Strong leadership ability, including cross training staff. 
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness with ability to manage multiple deliverables.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and energetic with aptitude for progression. Results oriented.
• Advance working knowledge of US GAAP Accounting with proficiency in Cost Accounting and/or Accounting methods and theory, FERC preferred.
• Advance knowledge of general ledger structure and financial reporting.
• Advance knowledge of SAP or accounting ERP system is preferred.
• Detailed understanding of NYPA’s financial structure.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills are required in dealing with Management, independent auditors, external customers, and for coordinating interdepartmental projects.
• Ability to organize and coordinate activities involving multiple departments while continuing to meet deadlines.
   

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred. 
• CPA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Finance or Accounting preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements

Approximately 10% within NY State.