Director Accounting at American Water Works Service Company Inc in Camden, New Jersey

Job Description:

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Camden, NJ, the company employs over 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 46 states.  To learn more about American Water and additional career opportunities, visit www.amwater.com.

Primary Role

This role will oversee Corporate Accounting. Responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that will ensure that company assets are adequately safeguarded and that all accounting is prepared in compliance with all financial policies, SEC requirements, US GAAP and other regulatory bodies. Develops accounting organizational strategies by contributing accounting and financial information, analysis, and recommendations for strategic thinking and direction, and establishing functional objectives in line with organizational objectives. Establishes accounting operational strategies by evaluating trends, establishing critical measurements, resolving problems, and implementing change.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage the performance of people in the department, which includes interviewing, on-boarding, performance reviews, coaching, counseling and career development, etc., to ensure the continued overall improvement in employee performance.


• Ensure that the performance of the accounting results in the accurate and efficient preparation and processing of the company’s accounting transactions.


• Lead efforts to research and define the accounting treatments that maximize value to the company and minimize exposure to risk and audit, considering overall GAAP accounting standards and regulatory guidelines.


• Accountable for ensuring that policies and procedures (internal controls) for areas of responsibility are in place to provide reasonable assurance that the company assets are protected.


• Ensures that company financial records, under responsibility, are maintained in compliance with company policies and US GAAP. 


• Responsible for reviewing monthly/quarterly account reconciliations and other documents to ensure this compliance and ensuring timely close.


• Coordinates work relating to both internal and external audits in the periodic review of the company financial records. Is further responsible for the implementation of agreed upon recommendations, related to areas of responsibility, resulting from the audit findings.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong technical accounting skills and advanced knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting, PCAOB and regulatory practices


• Working knowledge of accounting systems and software


• Utility industry experience a plus


• Demonstrated ability to form, lead and develop high-performing teams.


• Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization and the ability to explain complex matters in a succinct manner


• Experience in analyzing business performance


• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls and financial reporting, required.


• Deep understanding of computer systems and controls


• Excellent communication and leadership skills are mandatory


• Ability to work with external vendors as needed such as valuation firms, actuaries, and consultants.


• Strong business acumen, curiosity and the ability to influence.

Experience/Education

• Requires a Bachelor’s Level Degree in Accounting or Finance

• CPA Preferred


• At least 10 years broad and diverse accounting or finance experience, including previous management responsibility.


• Experience working at Big 4 public accounting firm experience preferred


• Prefer least 5 years progressive experience in the energy and utility industries.


• CPA Preferred

Competencies

Prioritizes & Role Models Safety

Self-Awareness

Develops Talent

Plans, Aligns, & Directs

Drives Engagement

Decision Quality

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because he or she is an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

 

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