Controller

Position Summary

Incumbent leads with integrity the responsibilities related to internal and external financial accounting and reporting, asset accounting, utility sales and services billings, and accounts payable, while ensuring operational excellence, the optimization of employee resources, and excellent customer service. This position is responsible for the availability of accurate and timely financial information and analysis important for the facilitation of appropriate business decisions. This position is an active participant on the financial leadership team, partnering with the CFO and other managers to ensure strategic and operational objectives are met, while promoting an environment of continuous improvement and strong customer focus. The incumbent delegates challenging and meaningful responsibilities to staff to ensure bench strength, business continuity, development and high employee engagement. The incumbent is expected to present to, and respond to, questions from Board members, wholesale customers, as well as represent NPPD in various industry organizations.  

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor's degree in accounting OR bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field with an emphasis in accounting is required.

Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable, MBA is preferred. 

Seven (7) years accounting experience required, preferably two (2) years of the seven (7) years in utility accounting.

Five (5) years of experience in leading and managing direct reports in an empowering and team-based environment.

Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills as well as effective interpersonal and presentation skills. Must have strong organizational skills.

Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and utility accounting policies and practices, including governmental accounting guidance issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, the Uniform System of Accounts Prescribed for Public Utilities and Licensees Subject to the Provisions of the Federal Power Act - more commonly referred to as FERC, differences between FERC and GAAP, effective internal controls, and financial aspects of the electric utility industry as well as demonstrated knowledge of applicable tax laws and regulations.

A working knowledge of utility financial operations is preferred.  Effective and timely decision-making skills.

Experience with accounting software systems, preferably SAP.

Licenses and/or Certifications

CPA certification – required.

CMA, CIA, or other related professional certification is highly desirable.
 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction to Corporate Accounting staff, ensuring operational excellence, the optimization of employee resources and excellent customer service, and for responsibilities related to internal and external financial accounting and reporting, asset accounting, utility sales and services billings, and accounts payable.

Direct the preparation of  NPPD’s Annual Report, monthly financial statements and other information with integrity, objectivity, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and/or FERC accounting, and in a manner that is timely, complete and free of misstatements. Information includes monthly, mid-year and annual financial statements, financial information reported in bond offering documents, and various required government reports.

Direct the preparation of special reports, analysis and projects, the analysis of new accounting transactions and issues, the preparation of financial statements for NPPD trusts and any special reports, audits, and/or information requests.

Establish and maintain appropriate accounting practices and internal controls.

Ensure understanding of needs of other business areas and clearly communicate accounting policies and procedures to ensure understanding and compliance. Direct the research of changes impacting accounting and reporting, including accounting guidance, FERC rules, tax laws, state statutes, regional transmission tariffs, etc.

Actively participate in and provide direct and timely responses to external auditors in support of NPPD’s annual audit.  In addition, provide support and resources for other financial and compliance audits performed by external auditors, internal auditors, contract participants, governmental auditors, etc.

Promote environment of continuous improvement to enhance team effectiveness including the identification and implementation of improvements in technologies, systems, policies, procedures, etc.

Ensure legal and regulatory compliance with all tax matters (i.e., sales tax, use tax, excise tax, in lieu of tax, etc.)

Develop and support effective relations with all areas of the District and outside parties including customers, independent auditors, consulting engineers, actuaries, attorneys and investment advisors.

Actively participate on the financial leadership team and partner with the CFO and other managers to ensure strong customer focus and strategic and operational objectives are met.

Provide assistance with oversight for activities of the Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB) Trust as a member of the OPEB Trust Committee.

Support, coach and counsel the Corporate Accounting staff to ensure a productive and efficient team environment. Delegate challenging and meaningful responsibilities to staff to ensure bench strength, business continuity, and high employee engagement.
 

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies