Financial Analyst
The Financial Analyst will provide budgeting and analytical support to Southern Company Services (SCS) organizations and Southern Company affiliates by ensuring the timely and accurate review of financial transactions and the reporting of those transactions to various levels of management. This position will coordinate the timely and accurate data gathering and analysis of the periodic cost projections of the organization and projects they support and provide counsel and planning to various levels of management regarding the findings of various analyses as needed, will assist organization in meeting corporate and business unit goals and objectives, coordinate affiliate rate case support, and will establish and maintain effective relationships and communication both within SCS Budgeting and Reporting and with our business partners.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and communicate budgets and financial reporting for Corporate Business Units
Ability to analyze data and effectively communicate SCS financial story
Coordinate annual budget preparation and communications
Prepare and communicate monthly variance reporting and comprehensive analysis for budget, actual, and projection information
Provide guidance to managers regarding GAAP and Southern Company accounting policies
Ensure compliance with internal controls and make recommendations regarding needed changes and efficiency improvements
Provide guidance on accounting policies and activities to non-financial managers
Consolidate reporting for roll up and management reporting for SCS
Gather data and analyze periodic cost projections and budget data
Participate in special projects by gathering information and providing analysis
Establish and maintain effective relationships and communications with business unit and affiliate budget managers
Strong organization and communication skills are a must
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related business field required
CPA, CMA or MBA/other advanced degree preferred
Experience:
Minimum 1 year of experience in accounting, finance, industrial engineering, or business administration required
Utility accounting experience is preferred
Experience in accounting, cost management and reporting preferred
Demonstrated experience with Oracle Cloud ERP, OACS, Oracle Planning, and PowerPlan is preferred
Strong experience in Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Power Point, and Access) highly desired
Capital and O&M budgeting experience desired
Project cost tracking experience desired
Experience coordinating multiple business units’ requests and ensure goals and objectives are met
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Detail-oriented with strong initiative-taking critical thinking skills and excellent follow through
Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate organizational and planning skills
Knowledge of utility and regulatory accounting standards and GAAP principles desired
Knowledge of data management and retrieval techniques with strong technical skills
Conceptual thinker and ability to quickly understand our Accounting System, POET Codes and be able to understand and report cost drivers
Ability to multi-task and adapt to a changing environment
Ability to coordinate activities of multiple people and pull the end result together as one deliverable
Ability to pull disparate pieces of information together to form one consolidated and concise report
Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with accounting, auditing, various non-financial functional areas, and varying levels of staff and management
Ability to operate in a matrix organization and communicate clearly with people at various levels including upper management
Effective oral and written communication skills
Demonstrate personal ownership and initiative
Anticipate and proactively communicate financial impacts of business unit decisions
Demonstrate sound business judgment in decision making
Other attributes include proactive, team player, and strategic thinker
Knowledge of Enterprise Foundations principles preferred
Understanding various views of SCS data and ability to translate and communicate appropriately to various audiences
Thorough understanding of techniques and methods for accounting, budgeting, cost tracking, financial projections, and interrelationships with affiliate accounting and budgeting functions