Accountant - Energy/Back Office

We’re committed to being the clean energy leader in Louisiana. By investing in renewables like solar and utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology to make our air cleaner, we’re in this for the long haul, because our state and future generations depend on it. Come be a part of our journey at Cleco where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Accountant, Energy/Back Office is an experienced professional with knowledge of and some experience with Energy/Back Office principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent performs day-to-day activities in the Energy/Back Office Accounting function and is responsible for ensuring accuracy and timeliness in the recording of back office transactions and keeping up to date with business practices, regulations and evolving back office systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile and prepare general ledger entries to account for assigned fuel transactions; prepare account reconciliations monthly to substantiate general ledger balances through the verification of payments, invoices, journals, etc., and prepare quarterly flux analysis for assigned general ledger accounts when required
• Maintain and reconcile fuel inventories in the appropriate system; review and process transactions necessary to record and account for fuel expenses as required
• Reconcile monthly statements, verify that values reflect current cost and/or prices, and communicate data to Front Office for proper assignment of fuel cost for generation purposes
• Assist in the preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual reports required of back office accounting, including the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) FAC and EAC filing and FERC filings (EQR, FERC 580 and EIA923)
• Adhere to Energy/Back Office Accounting standards, procedures, and processes; provide high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders in response to questions pertaining to Energy/Back Office
• Support General Accounting Manager with the development and implementation of appropriate metrics to manage business risks and improve decision making; consider future implications beyond an immediate problem
• Participate in the analysis of historical data and identify trends to increase accountability and improve decision making for Energy/Back Office department, and contribute to the development of reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organization
• Actively engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance Energy/Back Office service delivery and processes; identify areas to automate routine manual tasks
• Use data and analytics to support continuous improvement to reduce cost and improve program quality; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations
• Demonstrate ethical business conduct and compliance with both the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations to which Cleco is subject
• Champion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence
  
  

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (highly preferred), Finance or related field
• 3 years of related experience preferred
• Experience with Financial Systems/SAP preferred
• Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required
• Experience with MISO preferred
• Knowledge of GAAP, Internal Control processes
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and project management skills
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job
• Ability to exercise judgment with little direction/guidance but also knows when to escalate to the Energy/Back Office Manager
• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner
• Step progression to this level is typically restricted based on business requirement
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• CPA or meets the requirements to sit for the CPA exam preferred
  
  

Key Competencies

BEHAVIORAL

• Balances Stakeholders
• Ensures Accountability
• Business Insight
• Instills Trust
• Courage
• Nimble Learning
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Plans and Aligns
• Drives Results
• Strategic Mindset
• Drives Vision & Purpose
• Communicates Effectively
• Safety
  
  

TECHNICAL (Core for Function)

• Core Accounting
• Financial Reporting & Data Analysis
• Industry & Business Knowledge
• Risk Management
• Business Partnering
• Project & Change Management
• Financial Transaction Management
• Financial Systems
• Governance & Internal Control
• Regulatory Accounting
  
  

May perform other duties as assigned.