What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Accountant position at Unitil Service Corporation?
Our Company
More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life.
Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably.
Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees.
Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package.
Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance.
- Note: Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups
Position Purpose
Until Corporation’s Accounting Function
Unitil Corporation (Unitil or the Company) is a public utility holding company. Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation as a holding company system by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The following companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unitil:
- Unitil Energy Systems, Inc.,
- Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company,
- Northern Utilities, Inc.,
- Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc.,
- Unitil Power Corp.,
- Unitil Realty Corp.,
- Unitil Service Corp., and
- Unitil Resources, Inc.
- Bangor Natural Gas
The Plant Accounting group is responsible for all accounting and reporting activities related to Utility Plant, including depreciation and cost of removal, as well as other accounting activities. The utility plant balance is generally one of the largest asset balances for the Unitil subsidiaries. The plant accounting group’s primary responsibilities include:
- Preparing complete and accurate utility plant accounting records for Unitil and its subsidiaries
- Timely processing of all utility plant transactions for Unitil and its subsidiaries
- Ensuring completeness and accuracy of all utility plant transactions and journal entries
- Designing implementing, and executing internal controls over financial reporting that relate to utility plant.
- Supporting the Company’s rate case efforts and other strategic initiatives by providing accounting, financial, and business insights
Principal Responsibilities
Time %
Responsibilities
50%
Accounting Operations
Ensure all Utility Plant transactions are recorded accurately, completely, and in a timely manner to facilitate financial reporting for external publication as well as internal management decision making and analysis. This role will be responsible for the plant accounting activities for various Unitil subsidiaries. This role will work directly with other departments, including personnel at the distribution operating companies.
20%
Accounting Operations
Assist in the preparation of financial statements and other financial reports in accordance with various accounting and reporting standards including US GAAP, FERC, SEC, and IRS. Prepare internal reporting analyzing actual results as well as budget comparisons. Provide insight to management and other company departments related to results of operations as well as progress on various key initiatives. Provide support for the Company’s annual operating and capital budgets.
15%
Policies and Procedures
Review Company policies and procedures and actively identify opportunities to drive efficiencies in Company processes as well as strengthen internal controls. Develop a deep understanding of the Company’s accounting systems, including PowerPlan, and leverage that understanding to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, controls, or interaction with other groups. Maintain awareness of Company accounting policies and current standards that may require updates to existing Company policies.
15%
Regulatory Compliance
Prepare reports and provide evidentiary responses to data requests related to the requirements of or proceedings with the Company’s regulators including FERC, MDPU, NHPUC, MPUC and other regulators.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
- 3-6 years of accounting experience or equivalent
- Excellent attention to detail
- May be asked to work an extended schedule to meet deadlines
- Must be available to respond to delivery system emergencies and be available for on call rotation
Unitil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
