Principal Electric Accounting Analyst at Consumers Energy in JACKSON, MI

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

LOCATION

This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to One Energy Plaza located in Jackson,MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

GENERAL SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Principal Accounting Analyst oversees provision of general/sub ledgers, records, and financial reports, reviews the preparation and analysis of different accounts, and oversees the performance of general accounting functions. The incumbent manages regulatory accounting compliance by conducting research on complex matters; reviewing data and preparing regulatory reporting and supports regulatory cases by analyzing and providing information. This position identifies and resolves complex variances between the company's system of record and subledger. The Principal Accounting Analyst analyzes highly complex expenditures to validate appropriateness of charges. The incumbent works closely with other teams, including Shared Service, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Treasury, Operations, Rates, Internal Controls external auditors and regulatory staff. The Principal Accounting Analyst will provide highly complex analysis and modeling support for project/program managers, business development, and business area directors. The incumbent will make projections and variances, those projections are communicated to the company's Finance leadership group monthly, including the CFO, Treasurer, and the Corporate Controller. This information, in-turn, is communicated to the company's senior management team, guiding strategic decisions, as well as keeping them informed of key financial cash flow and liquidity targets.

The Principal Electric Accounting Analyst will play a critical role in the Revenue and Fuel Cost Accounting team. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely accounting for electric revenue and fuel costs, compliance with regulatory requirements, providing insightful analysis to support decision-making processes, and presenting financial results to senior management. The analyst will work closely with the Electric Supply, Forecasting, and Rates teams to support electric rate cases and will sponsor testimony and exhibits in the PSCR Reconciliation Rate cases.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare complex ad hoc reporting as needed to support research, rate case support, studies, surveys and other ad hoc request.
Review rate case testimony and exhibits and in overseeing the data analysis for regulatory filings by either: 1) supporting the preparation testimony, exhibits, and discovery requests of others to ensure accurate preparation as well to make sure any requested regulatory accounting will support the outcome desired by the Company or, 2) directly taking on this work as a company witness either through direct or rebuttal testimony.
Oversee the maintenance and testing of internal controls, lead the budgeting and forecasting process by developing the monthly and long-term financial plans by providing data and evidence-based analysis and incorporating into financial models, oversees maintenance of master data, revenue and cost accounting and complicated analysis such as gross margin analysis
Consolidate numerous different sources of financial data preparing reports and presentations as needed
Delivers reliable and highly precise execution of day-to-day business operations by review of the general ledger to ensure all activity is properly recorded including such items as: cost accounting activities (including journal entries and managing overheads and allocations), forecast development, complex variance analysis, risk and opportunity coordination and cash flow management (to include timely analysis/reconciliations)
Provides complex data and financial analysis in support of external/internal customer requirements and audit requests as well as review for completeness, accuracy and compliance with company standards
Analyze highly complex data and expenditures to validate the appropriateness of charging
Provides accounting guidance utilizing general accepted accounting principles and regulatory resources to direct proper charging of expenditures partnering with various departments across the organization including many managers, directors, executive directions and Vice Presidents
Review the processing of month end close to ensure accurate financial records and timely preparation of the financial statements
Provide highly complex data and financial analysis in support of external/internal customer requirements and audit requests and to ensure all activity is properly recorded in accordance with financial policies and procedures (including O&M vs. capital)
Process complex transactions to manage the lease process, overhead allocations and other accounting transactions
Oversee account reconciliations and Balance Sheet variance analysis for assigned accounts; contribute to the financial reporting process (SEC filings) through preparation of schedules supporting disclosures and may be responsible for reviewing disclosures and providing explanations for variances or changes
Oversee the preparation of financial reports such as financial statements and regulatory reports
Preparation and review of the financial reports and analysis used to support variances
Direct communication to Senior Leadership (such as various Vice Presidents or the CFO) of the financial status and variances including risks and opportunities
Review monthly and non-recurring general ledger entries to ensure all activity is properly recorded in accordance with financial policies and procedures (including O&M vs. capital)
Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ability to obtain and use large data sets to analyze and solve complex problems
Able to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while adhering to deadlines
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office programs
Knowledge and understanding of accounting software (i.e., SAP)
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting procedures and principles
Strong analytical skills and problem solving

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or related discipline with seven (7) or more years of experience in roles with responsibility for accounting analysis
- (OR) Associate's degree in accounting, business administration or related discipline with nine (9) or more years of experience in roles with responsibility for accounting analysis
- (OR) High school diploma with eleven (11) or more years of experience in roles with responsibility for accounting analysis

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

Competitive compensation packages
Medical, Dental and Vision
401k with company match
Paid parental leave
Up to 13 paid Holidays
Paid time off
Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.