VP, Finance & Accounting Job Listing at Chugach Electric Association in Anchorage, AK (Job ID 19999403)

Description

Summary

The VP, Finance & Accounting directs and controls the operations of the General Accounting, Plant Accounting and Budget & Financial Reporting Departments to meet established goals, work plans, and budgets.  Ensures adequate working capital to meet Chugach's needs.

Essential Functions

1. Manages Chugach's finances in accordance with Board Policies and other relevant guidelines.
2. Directs and manages Chugach's internal financials including Form 7, Form 12 and quarterly and annual external financial statements and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reporting requirements.
3. Coordinates timely and accurate monthly financial information for other Chugach departments, Board Members and outside agencies.
4. Manages Chugach's financial management program in compliance with Board Policies and other relevant guidelines.
5. Provides financial presentations to Board Members at committee and board meetings as well as other related financial information upon request.
6. Provides adequate internal and external control of general and plant accounting functions to ensure the proper utilization of Chugach's assets and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, state regulatory, FERC and other federal and state requirements.
7. Responsible for all cash reconciliation and control over disbursement and serves as a key representative to banking relationships.
8. Responsible for the accurate processing of payroll and participates with labor/management issues related to union contract compliance and makes suggestions to improve the understanding and interpretation of contract terms as they pertain to these areas.
9. Provides complete and accurate records and statistical reports that will ensure the effective management of Chugach and keeps the accounting records in accordance with prudent utility practice and generally accepted accounting principles.
10. Develops and implements improvement programs within Accounting's General, Plant, Budget and Financial Reporting departments and with other departments to ensure financial integrity and the most efficient use of resources.
11. Coordinates with Member Services to ensure compliance of the return of investment capital to Chugach's member owners through the Capital Credit Retirement process.
12. Works closely with the Rates Department in support of rate and/or compliance filings.
13. Assists CFO with debt management, bond purchase transactions, Indenture of Trust and debt agreement compliance. Interfaces with bondholders, trustee and rating agencies concerning the financial performance of Chugach.
14. Directs preparation for the annual audit of financial statements.
15. Organizes and directs audit programs, including annual workers compensation, federal and state single audits, Department of Labor, State of Alaska and labor agreement payroll audits.
16. Directs, manages and operates conversions of the existing Financial Accounting System Software as appropriate including any new software, such as the Fixed Asset system.
17. Implements other accounting systems or software as necessary and/or software upgrades of systems currently in place.
18. Directs the maintenance and month-end closing of Chugach's ledgers.
19. Directs preparation of various reports required by state and federal agencies.
20. Ensures internal control compliance including testing and updates to the CEO, CFO and Audit & Finance Committee.
21. Manages Chugach's day to day liquidity utilizing unsecured short-term vehicles.
22. Coordinates actuarial analysis associated with health and welfare and semi-annual workers compensation.
23. Ensures excess funds and/or restricted funds are invested appropriately in accordance with corporate policies and procedures.
24. Functions as administrator of online banking system.
25. Provides overall daily direction of operations of the Treasury Coordinator and the General and Plant Accounting and Budget & Financial Reporting Departments.
26. Provides leadership for attainment of departmental goals. Counsels, reviews and evaluates subordinates' performance; reviews performance appraisals prepared by Manager of Plant Accounting and Manager of Budget & Financial Reporting.
27. Plans for staffing, training and development of department personnel.
28. Administers Collective Bargaining agreement as it pertains to represented staff within the department.
29. Studies and recommends adoption of new methods and technologies applicable to general and plant accounting and budget and financial reporting functions throughout the organization.
30. Supervises the preparation of department work plans and budgets. Reviews comparative results and adjusts plans accordingly.
31. Develops work plans and staffing level projections to meet workload requirements of the department.
32. Develops criteria and schedules for accounting software improvements.

Relationships

Internal

• Chief Financial Officer: Reports to, receives direction, guidance, and decisions from.
• Chief Executive Officer: Provides requested information.
• Board of Directors: Presents financial updates, other information and reports as requested.
• Managers/Division Leadership: Provides assistance and recommendations to.

External

• Bargaining Unit Representatives
• Independent Auditors: Acts as interface to ensure timely completion of Chugach's annual audit.  Requests and evaluates input relative to tax issues and other matters affecting Chugach's financial performance.
• Supplemental Lenders: Provides instructions regarding investment of liquid funds and requisition of short-term line of credit and commercial paper draws. Assists with bond closings on behalf of Chugach.
• Outside Counsel: Provides information concerning claims and financial information.

Competencies

1. Knowledge of all aspects of accounting management, financial planning and reporting, and other operations of an electric utility.
2. Knowledge of FERC system of accounts desirable.
3. Familiarity with primary hardware and software requirements and data processing. Familiarity with auditing, budgeting, financial reporting and financial control procedures.
4. Superior analytical and communication skills.
5. Ability to accomplish report preparation and other departmental work in a timely manner.
6. Ability to work well with all levels of management.
7. Ability to explain accounting requirements and results to managers.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises the Manager of Plant Accounting, Manager of Budget & Financial Reporting and General Accounting team. This position oversees a unionized workgroup.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment.  Frequent long hours due to deadlines and seasonal workloads may be required.  Occasional travel outside the state may be required.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with accounting or finance major, required. Additional specialized training in financial management, required. Master's Degree, CPA and/or CMA required.

Experience

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting management, including supervisory responsibility, required.

Experience working in a utility/union environment preferred.