Energy Accountant

Job description

At Cleco, we're not just powering lives—we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we’re transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco— where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow. The Accountant - Energy/Back Office is an experienced professional with knowledge of and some experience with Energy/Back Office principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent performs day-to-day activities in the Energy/Back Office Accounting function and is responsible for ensuring accuracy and timeliness in the recording of back office transactions and keeping up to date with business practices, regulations and evolving back office systems. Key Responsibilities Compile and prepare general ledger entries to account for assigned fuel transactions; prepare account reconciliations monthly to substantiate general ledger balances through the verification of payments, invoices, journals, etc., and prepare quarterly flux analysis for assigned general ledger accounts when required Maintain and reconcile fuel inventories in the appropriate system; review and process transactions necessary to record and account for fuel expenses as required Reconcile monthly statements, verify that values reflect current cost and/or prices, and communicate data to Front Office for proper assignment of fuel cost for generation purposes Assist in the preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual reports required of back office accounting, including the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) FAC and EAC filing and FERC filings (EQR, FERC 580 and EIA923) Adhere to Energy/Back Office Accounting standards, procedures, and processes; provide high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders in response to questions pertaining to Energy/Back Office Support General Accounting Manager with the development and implementation of appropriate metrics to manage business risks and improve decision making; consider future implications beyond an immediate problem Participate in the analysis of historical data and identify trends to increase accountability and improve decision making for Energy/Back Office department, and contribute to the development of reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organization Actively engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance Energy/Back Office service delivery and processes; identify areas to automate routine manual tasks Use data and analytics to support continuous improvement to reduce cost and improve program quality; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations Demonstrate ethical business conduct and compliance with both the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations to which Cleco is subject Champion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, sense of belonging, customer service, and operational excellence Qualifications Required Education, Skills & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field 3+ years of related experience Experience with Financial Systems/SAP preferred Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required Experience with MISO preferred Knowledge of GAAP, Internal Control processes Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and project management skills Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job Ability to exercise judgment with little direction/guidance but also knows when to escalate to the Energy/Back Office Manager Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data. Licenses and Certifications CPA or meets the requirements to sit for the CPA exam (preferred) Key Competencies BEHAVIORAL Building Partnerships Leading Teams Business Acumen Communication Courage Building Self-Insight Driving for Results Energizing the Organization Driving Execution Building Trusting Relationships Driving Innovation Planning and Organizing Safety Establishing Strategic Direction TECHNICAL Core Accounting Financial Reporting & Data Analysis Industry & Business Knowledge Risk Management Business Partnering Project & Change Management Financial Transaction Management Financial Systems Governance & Internal Control Regulatory Accounting May perform other duties as assigned. Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.