Manager- Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting USA at First Solar Inc in Tempe, Arizona

Job Description:

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• Responsible for the day-to-day preparation of all SEC filings


• Candidate must have excellent knowledge of technical accounting matters and SEC regulations and is responsible for timely and accurate filings of Forms 10-K, 10-Q, DEF 14-A, 8-K, and other SEC filings.


• Assist in the review of various sales, purchase, lease, derivative, debt, and other agreements.


• Responsible for preparing presentations for the Audit Committee, Board of Directors, executive management, and other key stakeholders.


• Work closely with other business groups and corporate functions to ensure accounting issues are appropriately identified, analyzed, and reported in external reports and internal presentations.


• Assist in the creation and maintenance of the internal accounting/finance policy manual.

Education/Experience:

• BS in finance / accounting (required)


• Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or other related fields (preferred)


• CPA (preferred)

Required Skills/Competencies:

• 7 to 10 years combined experience working for a public company and / or a public accounting firm (Big Four preferred) with relevant experience in external reporting and technical accounting research.


• Excellent interpersonal and management skills


• Experience working with international teams (Asia preferred)


• Can perform under tight deadlines.


• Highly motivated, people sensitive, results oriented.


• Strong business acumen with an ability to articulate and communicate business and accounting issues at all levels within the organization, including executive management and external auditors


• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC rules and regulations, XBRL, principles of consolidation, and SOX compliance


• Experience with publicly traded companies within the renewable energy, manufacturing, and / or technology industries (preferred)


• Working knowledge of and experience in reviewing business contracts, including sales, purchase, lease, derivative, debt, and other agreements (preferred)


• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office applications, including a high degree of proficiency in Excel


• Working knowledge of major ERP systems (SAP / Oracle preferred)


• Working knowledge of Workiva (preferred)

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage timely and accurate filing of Forms 10-K, 10-Q, DEF 14-A, 8-K, and other SEC filings.


• Maintain current knowledge of SEC rules, regulations, and disclosure requirements, as well as GAAP / IFRS reporting requirements.


• Manage in-house preparation of all SEC filings, including XBRL.


• Support preparation of earnings call materials and other investor documents as required.


• Review and advise on the preparation of statutory reports in various international jurisdictions.


• Assist in the reporting process for various technical areas, including the review of transactions, researching the underlying accounting treatment and preparation of whitepapers outlining our related conclusions.


• Assist in the implementation and analysis of new accounting and reporting requirements.


• Other duties as assigned.


• Job description subject to change at any time


• Assist in creating and maintaining the Company’s financial accounting policy manual and providing training to finance / accounting staff as necessary.


• Ensure internal controls related to external reporting are functioning as intended.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Senior Manager, Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting


• Will have 1-2 direct reports and manage a team of up to 5 individuals.

Travel:

• Up to 5%

Estimated Annual Salary Range:

• $106,000 - $145,000 Annual Salary

US Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.