Managing Director Accounting Policy & Research

This position leads AEP’s Accounting Policy & Research team, responsible for proactively identifying, assessing, and researching technical accounting issues for a multi-jurisdiction electric utility company. Key responsibilities include driving consensus with external auditors, issuing technical accounting guidance, and communicating accounting matters to senior management. The role also involves establishing policy, evaluating accounting treatment, and reviewing SEC disclosures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the Accounting Policy & Research team, including setting and executing team goals, employee development, and implementing company initiatives and CAO organizational priorities.
• Provide overriding review of all technical accounting analyses, deliverables, and work products produced by the team.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for investigating, analyzing, communicating, and documenting technical accounting matters related to significant, nonroutine, or complex transactions.
• Partner with Financial Reporting to review SEC disclosures for significant, nonroutine, complex transactions.
• Collaborate with department leaders in the CAO’s organization, the broader Finance organization, and other AEP business units on cross-functional efforts such as transaction support, adoption of new accounting standards, and implementation of new accounting policies.
• Provide significant input and reviews for 10-K and 10-Q filings, including MD&A and footnote disclosures.
• Communicate regularly with the CAO, CFO, and other executive leadership on significant technical accounting matters and emerging issues related to the Company’s strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on U.S. GAAP, FERC, and SEC accounting matters.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with external auditors to drive consensus on the Company’s accounting positions, policies, procedures, and disclosure requirements.
• Oversee and direct the implementation of priority initiatives and strategic projects, focusing on process improvement, work product design, and training on technical accounting topics.
• Represent and articulate the Company’s viewpoints through participation in industry initiatives such as working groups and task forces (e.g., standard-setting initiatives, emerging accounting issues).
• Support executive leadership in critical decision-making activities that enhance business performance and impact the Company’s financial results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business with a concentration in Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• Exposure to or familiarity with the utility industry is preferred.
• Public accounting experience is preferred.
• CPA certification or advanced degree is preferred.
• Preferred experience in the following accounting disciplines:
  • Investments in Equity and Debt Securities
  • Goodwill
  • Internal-Use Software
  • Property, Plant, and Equipment
  • Asset Retirement Obligations
  • Contingencies
  • Guarantees
  • Debt and Equity
  • Revenue Recognition
  • Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets
  • Compensation
  • Business Combinations
  • Consolidation
  • Derivatives and Hedge Accounting
  • Fair Value Measurement
  • Leases
  • Regulated Operations

Skills

• Strong competency in written and oral communication, including the ability to simplify complex accounting issues.
• Ability to write technical accounting memos to support conclusions.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with a logical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to lead multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to voice and defend opinions while guiding teams toward collaborative implementation of change.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Teams, and similar collaborative technology.
• Continuous improvement mindset with competencies in adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and initiative.

Benefits

• Base Salary
• Annual Bonus
• Long-term Incentive
• 401K
• AEP Pension
• Comprehensive benefits package aimed at supporting and enhancing overall well-being.

Pay

Compensation Range: $188,524.00 - $245,080.00

Schedule

Physical demand level: Sedentary. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Involves sitting most of the time but may require walking or standing for brief periods.