Financial Accountant

At Cleco, we're not just poweringlives-we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana.With bold investments in innovativeenergysolutions, we're transforminghow we power ourcommunities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable.This is a long-term commitmentto our people and our communities because our future-and the future of generations to come-depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco-where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Accountant II - Financial Reporting is a professional with knowledge of and some experience with Financial Reporting principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent is responsible for assisting management with the timely and accurate preparation and distribution of periodic financial statements and other financial data for external and internal use. The incumbent ensures that reports, filings, and documentation comply with company and governmental regulations, professional standards, and SEC and GAAP reporting requirements. The incumbent performs Financial Reporting work that is varied with some complexity and usually has some precedent. The incumbent is responsible for the completion of assigned processes or activities requiring interpretation of Accounting/Financial Reporting practices. The incumbent contributes to the identification of improvements to enhance Financial Reporting activities and procedures. The incumbent assists in the onboarding of entry-level employees with Financial Reporting responsibilities. The incumbent enhances working relationships and networks with internal and external parties for collaboration on procedures or activities and may begin to advise others on standard Financial Reporting matters. The incumbent communicates ideas and information, whether verbal or written, in a clear and concise manner conducive to a positive work environment. The incumbent respects others' points of view through engagement and interest and uses relevant knowledge, know-how, and skills to explain and clarify thoughts and ideas.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day to day technical execution of defined activities to support the delivery of Financial Reporting initiatives required to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, and innovative objectives
• Work independently and receive limited guidance; tasks include preparing portions of regulatory filings such as SEC Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, and FERC Forms 1and 3Q as well as other monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements; tasks may also include assisting with the preparation of the cash flow statement
• Participate in monthly closing processes through review of reports and financial statements; work with the Financial System Support team to ensure the financial reporting system/structure appropriately responds to changing accounting or reporting requirements
• Provide high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders in response to questions pertaining to Financial Reporting's processes, procedures, and reporting responsibilities, including information contained within reports prepared by Financial Reporting
• Support Financial Reporting Management with the development and implementation of appropriate metrics to manage business risks and improve decision making; consider future implications beyond an immediate problem
• Participate in the analysis of historical data and identify trends to increase accountability and improve decision making for Financial Reporting, and contribute to the development of reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organization
• Actively engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance Financial Reporting service delivery and processes; identify areas to automate routine manual tasks; leverage resources and tools for continuous quality improvement of Financial Reporting's deliverables
• Stay up to date with all department software (e.g., Workiva) with a continued focus on utilizing tools to improve accuracy and efficiency of Financial Reporting; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations
• Champion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence

Qualifications

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field
• 0-5+ years of related experience
• Experience with Utility Accounting, Finance, and Financial Systems/SAP preferred
• Knowledge of GAAP and Internal Control processes
• Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and requests concurrently
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a tight deadline driven environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that are efficient and effective
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job
• Ability to exercise judgment with little direction/guidance but also knows when to escalate to Financial Reporting Management
• Proficient at functioning effectively individually or within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner
• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data.

Licenses and Certifications

• CPA or meets the requirements to sit for the CPA exam

Key Competencies

BEHAVIORAL

• Building Partnerships
• Leading Teams
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Courage
• Building Self-Insight
• Driving for Results
• Energizing the Organization
• Driving Execution
• Building Trusting Relationships
• Driving Innovation
• Planning and Organizing
• Safety
• Establishing Strategic Direction

TECHNICAL

• Core Accounting
• Financial Reporting & Data Analysis
• Industry & Business Knowledge
• Risk Management
• Business Partnering
• Project & Change Management
• Financial Transaction Management
• Financial Systems
• Governance & Internal Control
• Regulatory Accounting

May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.