Accountant I or II

Job Description

Accountant I or II | American Electric Power

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at American Electric Power, located in Columbus, OH. AEP is a major energy company, focused on delivering safe, reliable, and energy solutions to its customers, driven by a mission to prioritize customer needs. This Accountant I or II position provides essential accounting support, crucial for maintaining accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity across the AEP system. The role operates within a supportive environment, where individual contributions are valued and personal development is actively encouraged through training, mentorship, and tuition assistance, positioning employees for long-term career success.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Columbus, OH
• Pay: $63496–$93188 yearly
• Mission: This role is responsible for ensuring financial accuracy and compliance by preparing and reviewing journal entries, performing detailed account reconciliations, and actively contributing to the overall general ledger close process for various AEP companies, supporting financial integrity and regulatory reporting.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft products, ERP systems, Peoplesoft

What You’ll Actually Do
• Journal Entries & Reconciliations: Prepare and meticulously review various journal entries and general ledger account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and proper classification of financial transactions.
• Compliance & Analysis: Ensure strict compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, actively assisting with balance sheet reviews and conducting detailed account analysis to support financial integrity.
• Closing Processes: Participate comprehensively in monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes, which includes performing variance analysis and conducting thorough financial integrity checks.
• Financial Reporting: Assist in the preparation of FERC financial reports and GAAP financial statements, encompassing the development of necessary footnotes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
• Audit & Regulatory Support: Support internal management reporting requirements and respond promptly to auditor data requests, while also providing critical analysis and support for various regulatory filings and proceedings.
• Process Improvement & Relationships: Proactively assess, develop, and enhance accounting processes and procedures on a continuous basis, simultaneously cultivating positive business relationships with other AEP business partners.

The Must-Haves
• Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a Business degree with an Accounting concentration is required to ensure foundational knowledge for this role.
• Experience: For the Accountant II level, a minimum of 2 years of relevant accounting experience is necessary.
• Skills: Demonstrated strong understanding of GAAP and regulatory reporting requirements; an analytical mindset with keen attention to detail and accuracy; the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and meet deadlines in a demanding environment; and excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bonus: Possession of a CPA certification or active progress towards obtaining the certification is preferred.