Research Accountant

Accounting Policy and Research Accountant – Gulfport, MS

The position is located in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Summary of Position Duties

The responsibilities for the Accountant position include:

1. Research, provide sound guidance on, and document technical accounting and reporting issues affecting the company
2. Review of contracts and various proposed or completed transactions to determine and document the required technical accounting and financial statement disclosure impacts
3. Evaluation of the impact of new accounting standards and participation in the adoption of the new standards
4. Assistance in establishing accounting policies for Mississippi Power and the Southern Company system
5. Participation in quarterly and annual financial reporting process 

Job Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required, CPA or MBA is desired
• Two years of accounting or auditing experience is required
• Public accounting firm experience is preferred
• Research of FASB Codification experience is preferred
• Lease, software, and/or derivative accounting experience is preferred

• Utility accounting experience is desired 

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of FASB, SEC, and FERC accounting and reporting standards and requirements
• Ability to research technical/complex accounting issues
• Strong oral and written communications skills with the ability to understand and explain complex accounting issues to a varied audience
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with accounting, auditing, various functional areas and levels of management

• Understanding of the regulatory rules and requirements unique to the utility industry (preferred) 

  Behavioral Attributes

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities
• Self-directed, proactive and able to handle multiple projects and competing deadlines
• Intellectual curiosity and rigor

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to more than 192,000 customers and communities in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. For over 100 years, Mississippi Power is a leader in customer service, workforce development and education, environmental stewardship, and employee volunteerism. The company is an industry leader when it comes to working safely, providing around-the-clock reliable service and its expert storm response. Mississippi Power has been at the forefront of innovation in the state through strategic partnerships in electric transportation and solar energy. The company has worked with the Coast Transit Authority to put the state’s first electric public transportation bus in operation and with Forrest County Agriculture High School on the state’s first electric school bus. It also partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new electric train and worked with the country’s largest Domino’s franchise to electrify its delivery fleet. Also, a leader in renewable energy, Mississippi Power partnered with the Naval Construction Battalion Center to install the first microgrid at a Navy facility. The company was among the first to introduce utility scale solar in the state with nearly 160 MW of renewable energy produced, enough to power 23,000 homes for a year. Mississippi Power’s mission is to provide world-class value to our customers and communities every day.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service.