Lead Accountant

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!
 

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities.  We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy.  When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between.  We want you to be safe, happy and healthy.  That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

The Lead Accountant is responsible for executing highly technical and complex accounting tasks that demand an advanced understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory accounting. This includes preparing detailed financial and statistical reports, such as financial statements and accompanying notes, for regulatory agencies, management, and key stakeholders.

A critical aspect of this role is leading the development, coordination, and communication of financial performance. The Lead Accountant oversees the preparation and maintenance of accounting records and performance metrics. They also serve as a key resource for addressing financial issues, conducting in-depth analyses, and managing accounting-related projects. This role will involve performing a detail review of reports prepared by staff accountants for quality assurance, providing feedback on best practices, and opportunities to leverage technology for increased efficiency and risk reduction.

The role also involves performing technical accounting analysis, with a focus on researching GAAP and regulatory compliance issues in order to prepare reports that are complete and accurate. A passion for research is essential, as the Lead Accountant must navigate complex accounting challenges and provide well-supported recommendations. This position requires a broad skill set, encompassing financial reporting, technical accounting, analytical reporting, technology projects, results review, and effective communication.

What you will do

• Serves as a resource for others on more complex accounting or regulatory issues and disclosures, financial and performance issues, policies, and inquiries.

• Applies in-depth skills and broad knowledge to determine and communicate root causes and trends and makes recommendations necessary to meet performance objectives.

• Leads research and implementation of regulatory and GAAP accounting requirements.

• Keeps fully informed of current developments in the accounting field, industry, regulations, and company procedures as these apply to assigned work areas and the department in general.

• Uses technically advanced analysis of actual financial results compared to budget, forecast, outlook, and prior periods. Advocates for and supports change and assists the team in developing creative solutions to simplify and streamline finance activities.

• Reviews work of other department staff for accuracy, completeness, and quality.

• Analyzes and reviews variances in financial results from budget and prior periods.

• May assist in the coordination, development, preparation, and review of internal accounting reports, monthly operations data, and analytical work related to accounting activities.

• May assist in preparing communications internally and externally to investors and board of directors.

• Assists in the performance, development, and maintenance of internal controls that ensure proper, accurate, and timely recording of transactions and protection of assets.

• May maintain the general ledger and prepare complex financial statements and related reports and analyses and other accounting-related duties for assigned legal entities or business segments.

• May apply technical, business, and organizational knowledge to lead and develop financial budget strategies and guidelines.

• May coordinate budget, outlook, and forecast processes, procedures, and reporting.

• Engage in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy’s Values and help deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Business, Accounting, or related field. Preferred

• Certification Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation Preferred

Required Experience

• 8 years of experience in accounting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive/advanc