Director of Accounting

About the role

The Director of Accounting is a highly visible leadership role responsible for advancing Avista’s financial reporting excellence, accounting strategy, and internal control environment. Reporting directly to the Vice President & Controller, this position serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a key partner across the organization on accounting policy, internal controls, complex transactions, and new business initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Avista’s accounting strategy by anticipating the impact of changing business priorities, regulatory developments, and industry trends, while aligning accounting policies with utility industry best practices.

• Establish and maintain corporate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls that support accurate reporting, strong governance, and compliance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee internal and external financial reporting, ensuring financial statements and related updates are timely, accurate, complete, and meaningful for senior leadership, auditors, regulators, and other.

• Serve as a technical accounting resource for complex transactions, special projects, new standards, and business initiatives, providing practical guidance and well-supported conclusions.

• Analyze financial results to identify key business issues, enterprise risks, trends, and opportunities, and communicate insights that support informed decision-making and operational performance.

• Build strong relationships with consultants, auditors, industry committees, attorneys and peers to stay current on emerging issues, leading practices, and developments affecting utility accounting and reporting.

• Review financial results for Avista’s utility and subsidiary operations, helping ensure accurate reporting and clear communication of significant drivers and variances.

• Cook up with independent auditors and internal partners to support efficient quarterly reviews, year-end audits, and related reporting processes.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing accounting team through thoughtful hiring, performance management, employee engagement, continuous learning, and professional development.

• Partner with functional leaders across the company to align accounting priorities with enterprise strategy, business objectives, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Champion continuous improvement by strengthening systems, processes, and service delivery to meet the needs of internal and external customers.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment where team members feel supported, engaged, and empowered to contribute.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting is required.
• Master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration or related field is preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant professional accounting experience in either public accounting or the utility industry is required.
• CPA is required.
• Experience in a regulated utility environment is highly desirable.
• Must possess expert knowledge and understanding of sound accounting and internal control procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, SEC reporting and accounting regulations and financial reporting requirements and their application to business issues.
• Demonstrated experience using a variety of computer programs including accounting systems and MS Excel to perform complex financial analysis.
• Demonstrated financial leadership experience (minimum 5+ years), including a successful track record of managing and mentoring finance staff.
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to present analysis and findings in both verbal and written formats to all levels of management.

Other

Combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hiring Range

$168,188 to $224,531

Benefits

Avista offers a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retail retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.