Managing Director, Accounting Policy

Job Posting End Date

05-27-2025

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Lead the Company's Accounting Policy & Research team in proactively identifing, assessing and researching technical and regulatory accounting issues confronting a multi-jurisdiction electric utility company, including responsibities in driving consensus with external auditors, timely issuing technical accounting guidance, and effectively communicating accounting matters to the appropriate levels of senior management.

Job Description

The power of AEP comes from our valued team of unique employees….the best in the business!  We’re proud to be one of the largest electric energy companies in the U.S., powering over 5 million homes and businesses, spanning across 11 states.  We’re passionate about making an innovative difference in the communities we serve.  We’re powering the future – today!

What You'll Do:

• Lead the Accounting Policy & Research Team responsible for the following functions:
• Proactively identify, assess and research technical accounting issues confronting a multi-jurisdiction electric utility company, drive consensus and timely issue technical accounting guidance.
• Effectively communicate technical and regulatory accounting matters and new accounting standards with the appropriate levels of the AEP organization, including timely, concise communication to the CAO, CFO and audit committee.
• Serve as the Company's subject matter expert with respect to GAAP, FERC and SEC accounting matters, including expertise in benefit accounting, utility composite depreciation, ARO, revenue recognition, leasing standards, impairments, abandonments and contingencies.
• Drive consensus with external auditors regarding the Company's routine and complex accounting positions, policies, procedures and disclosure requirements.
• Collaborate with ledger accounting, financial reporting and business unit partners to ensure appropriate accounting conclusions are reached, vetted with the Company's external auditors and implemented in a timely manner.
• Ensure that SOX controls are effectively designed, contemporaneously performed and documented with respect to unique, complex non-recurring transactions.
• Partner with financial accounting, tax or the appropriate business unit to ensure timely implementation of new accounting standards, including the timely issuance of technical accounting position papers.
• Collaborate with CAO and Financial Reporting to formulate responses to SEC comment letters, as well as, review industry-wide SEC Comment Letters to determine relevance to the Company's SEC filings and disclosures.
• Provide significant input and review of 10-K and 10-Q, including MD&A and footnote disclosures.
• Foster employee development and growth through goal-setting, training and cultural initiatives.
• Develop a strong partnership with departmental leads to ensure an open dialogue of unique transactions and initiatives.
• Lead a multi-department team to monitor complex and significant non-recurring transactions that may impact the Company's financial statements.
• Responsible for timely issuance of accounting policy and guidance to ensure accurate, timely recording of all financial transactions in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain the Company',s database of accounting policies, bulletins, procedures and position memos, including maintaining and updating the Company's Quarter Issues Book.

What We're Looking For:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business with a concentration in Accounting or other related fields.

Experience: Minimum 12 years' experience with Big 4 experience preferred Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below: 1) CPA certification or advanced degree preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical demand level is Sedentary

• CPA certification or advanced degree preferred.
• Exposure to and familiarity with the utility industry.
• Public accounting experience and/or experience with the client-side of an audit.
• Thorough understanding of US GAAP, FERC and SEC financial reporting requirements and disclosures.
• Ability to communicate complex accounting issues in an easy to understand format
• Ability to write technical memos to support Company control conclusions.
• Ability to complete projects requirements in a timely manner.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to employ a logical approach to accomplish objectives and solve issues.
• Ability to lead, develop and supervise other accounting professionals.
• Ability to voice and defend opinions while guiding teams