At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.
Job Function
General Accounting performs general accounting activities, including the preparation, maintenance and reconciliation of ledger accounts and financial statements, such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements. Responsible for accounting transactions and ensuring the integrity of internal controls and accounting records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, company policies and regulatory accounting. Completes accounting research and provides support for forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis.
Key Job Information
Principal Accountant
Career Level: Specialist
- Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise
- Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices
- Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions
- Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
- May lead functional teams or projects
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Analysis
Works, leads and coordinates with outside specialists to develop approaches to more effectively guide, conduct and interpret accounting analyses within the organization; effectively leads and teaches others how to interpret and perform complex analysis; reviews work of other team members and leads others to resolve problems.
Accounting Research
Applies advanced and broad accounting knowledge to interpret accounting guidance, develop alternatives and present recommendations to internal/external parties and senior management.
Financial Reporting
Enhances financial reporting methodologies and tools across the organization; provides high-level QA of filings and resolves escalated issues in the reporting process; proactively monitors potential and actual reporting requirement changes and prepares the company for changes.
Compliance
Leads the development of compliance standards that reflects the needs of PGE and addresses identified risks and concerns; submits to management and senior leadership for review and approval.
Internal Consulting
Serves as an expert resource, ensuring all accounting-, forecasting- and reporting-related information as required is provided to stakeholders across the company; advises on industry and historical trends to provide context.
Budget Support
Leads and facilitates the completion of all accounting, forecasting and reporting responsibilities.
Financial Systems
Gains proficiency with accounting organization-specific applications and understands how to perform complex calculations/tasks; leads requirement gathering and design sessions for system enhancements and upgrades.
Education/Experience/Certifications
Education
Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or other business-related field or equivalent experience.
Experience
Typically eight or more years in related field.
Certifications/Training
For certain roles, CPA is preferred.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
Functional Competencies
- Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and concepts, including GAAP and regulatory accounting theory and practices.
- Working knowledge of other accounting disciplines, such as tax.
- Advanced knowledge of internal controls, including the requirements of SOX.
- Advanced knowledge of accounting and finance business processes and policies.
- Advanced knowledge of related financial systems.
- Advanced knowledge of relevant utility industry operations and financial regulations.
General Competencies
- Intermediate knowledge of enterprise/business awareness.
- Advanced decision-making skills.
- Intermediate written and oral communication skills.
- Advanced interpersonal skills.
- Advanced organization and prioritization skills.
- Advanced consulting skills.
- Advanced knowledge of business process interrelationships.
- Advanced analytical thinking skills.
Physical and Cognitive Demands
Cognitive Level
Substantial: Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions (for example, engineer, HR director, plant manager, etc.).
Cognitive
- Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks.
- Ability to follow accuracy standards.
- Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks.
- Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress.
- Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change.
- Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback.
- Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement.
- Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks.
- Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization.
- Demonstrates sound memory.
- Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks.
Schedule/Attendance
- Ability to work long hours.
- Ability to work a variable schedule.
- Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather.
- Ability to consistently meet attendance policy and standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance.
Physical Capabilities
- Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more).
- Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift).
Environment
Compensation Range:
$104,325.00 - $173,875.00. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance-based incentive bonus. Actual total compensation is commensurate with experience, skills, and education.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future.
