Senior Manager, Technical Accounting

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries , AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work , you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas. AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023 , we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization. If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation. Technical Accounting (TA) reviews and confirms conclusions on the US GAAP accounting by AES for all its contracts and non-standard transactions that could have a potentially material impact to the consolidated financial statements of AES. These conclusions result from critically analyzing, questioning and discussing memoranda submitted by the local business TA leads and local Controllers and thoroughly reviewing any associated contracts in English. TA also promotes consistent accounting interpretations across AES by actively monitoring, understanding, applying and sharing examples from other SBUs proactively or as needed. Also, TA develops the US GAAP accounting policies of AES and is responsible for US GAAP training at AES. The Sr. Manager Technical Accounting will be responsible for performing independent research of complex accounting transactions, and prepare as well as review technical accounting memos submitted by local businesses based on a wide variety of topics, and providing feedback in a timely manner. Will provide support to internal and external audits as required. Build strong relationships with cross-functional groups (e.g., Commercial, Treasury, Development, M&A, etc.) along with counterparts within the local businesses. This individual is expected to develop Company-specific and industry knowledge in order to be identified as point of contact for accounting issues and in support of the various deliverables as well as delegate work as appropriate. Lead due diligence and transaction reviews from an accounting standpoint in support of the M&A process. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Research, document and review complex accounting transactions including those related to derivatives, revenue arrangements under ASC 606, leases under ASC 842 and consolidation accounting, among others. Review documentation and research performed by others to ensure conclusions are fully researched, supported and consistent with precedent-setting global conclusions. Assist the local TA teams by providing timely accounting analysis for proposed transactions as well as recommendations on deal structure as required to support the decision making by the M&A team and Senior Leadership. Consult in design of transactions to achieve the desired earnings impact within GAAP guidance. Provide supervision and leadership to more junior technical accounting staff. Timely identify and effectively communicate/resolve issues to avoid financial statement errors. Stay up to date on new accounting pronouncements and relevant GAAP issues and evaluate how they may impact the Company and ensure relevant information and accounting changes is provided to other departments when it impacts them. Interpret the accounting policies, propose and review changes to accounting policies. Prepare or participate in preparation of certain footnote disclosures for public financial statements. Participate in the review of financial statements for external filings required by legal agreements and local laws and regulations on a consistent basis. Manage discussions with engagement level partners and national office/professional practice directors with external auditors and/or consultants. Develop and maintain adequate SOX compliance as it relates to technical accounting. Assist in special accounting projects as assigned. The Sr. Manager Technical Accounting regularly makes judgments and interpretations in the following highly technical areas of US GAAP: Identify when agreements to physically deliver electricity, fuel or other commodities are standalone derivatives, contain embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation, and/or contain lease elements. Assesses when contracts represent variable interests that allow one party to direct significant activities that results in a variable interest entity (and, if so, affects who is the primary beneficiary). Alternatively, if voting interest model is used, evaluate any rights the non-controlling partner may have that would preclude consolidation. Impairment of assets (including recoverability and/or fair value testing with little/no observable inputs). Accounting for business combinations and asset acquisitions (of voting and variable interest entities). Accounting for sales of all or some interests in businesses (many of which are in-substance real estate). Complex debt and equity transactions (including project financing and identifying embedded derivatives). Revenue recognition; regulatory accounting and issues; functional currency determination/translation. Understand and interpret the impacts to AES (and Power & Utilities industry) of new and major guidance expected to be issued. QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or a related field from an accredited college or university. Certified Public Accountant with active license in the United States or equivalent. Must have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience with a publicly-traded company under US GAAP and/or with a Big 4 firm auditing (preferably with concentration in technical accounting) publicly-traded companies under US GAAP. Extensive experience in highly technical accounting areas. Energy/utility company industry accounting and/or audit experience preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills (especially for an executive-level audience), interpersonal skills and time/project management skills. Must be proficient in personal computer skills and have strong research, interpersonal and project management skills. Self-motivated and able to work in a team with limited supervision. Strong analytical skills. Must exhibit in-depth knowledge of US GAAP and be able to understand and interpret complex accounting guidance. AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.