Accounting Analyst 3 - General Accounting

Accounting Analyst 3 - General Accounting 

Non-Union Position
General Accounting Staff; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)  

Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents. 
Regular FT 
Posting # 4876  

 

About Us:

 

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.  

 

In addition to environmental stewardship, We’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
 

The Role:

 

The Accounting Analyst 3 is a key member of the General Accounting team, reporting directly to the General Accounting Lead.  This position plays a critical role in performing the accounting for various key estimates, payroll and benefits, and other activities.  The Accounting Analyst 3 responsibilities will include preparation and review of journal entries, reconciliations, and reports, as well as providing financial information and various analysis to management.  This position will work closely with other accounting team members, various business departments, and upper management. 

Day to Day:

 

• Key participant in the month-end general ledger and internal reporting processes, including preparing and reviewing both journal entries and account reconciliations and performing O&M settlement activities.
• Preparation of key estimates and reserves for review with the Controller including bonuses and claims reserves.
• Responsible for accounting for payroll and benefits including bonuses, payroll overhead rates, workers compensation, deferred compensation, life insurance, and other employee benefit costs.
• Preparation and presentation to executive management of monthly financial results
• Preparation and presentation to executive management of quarterly financial schedules used to support SEC filings.
• Performs accounting research, memo documentation and assists with setting accounting policies.
• Assists in the preparation and review of regulatory filings and support.
• Collaborates with the Budgeting and Financial Planning team in development of components of the annual Income Statement budget and periodic forecast updates.
• Perform financial analysis and prepare ad-hoc reports and analysis, as required. 
• Completes internal control procedures to ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
• Provides schedules and support for SEC filings.
• Provide support for both internal and external auditors.
• Blackline Administrator, including monitoring month end close reporting for SOX controls.
• SAP Master Data Administrator related to opening and closing the period and account coding information
• Identify and implement sustainable process improvements within accounting, proactively improve processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Assist Accounting Lead with various projects as needed.
• Leads department and team projects and initiatives. Demonstrates appropriate leadership and decision-making behaviors; maintains technical job knowledge and personal skill development.
• Supports the Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices.

Come on your first day with:

 

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Accounting and CPA certificate is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of applied accounting experience.  Public accounting experience is preferred.    
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, with the ability to critically think and apply that knowledge to business requirements.
• Experience in utility industry or related business environment is preferred.
• Experience using financial software systems, SAP is strongly preferred.
• Experience with reconciliation tools, Blackline preferred.
• Demonstrated background in applying analytical/accounting research skills.
• Excellent verbal skills, including the ability to apply group facilitation techniques and make group presentations.
• Strong written communication skills including process and task documentation and report generation.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines, including strong time management and organizational skills.
• Must combine attention to detail with the ability to envision the big picture.