Accounting Research Manager

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Incentive compensation

Pension plan

401(k) with employer match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Skills development training

Job summary

FirstEnergy in Akron, OH is seeking an Accounting Research Manager to lead the company's accounting research function, ensure GAAP and SEC compliance, and advise senior leadership on complex transactions.

Reporting to the VP, Controller, this role partners with Financial Reporting, Internal Audit, and external auditors to support accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance, while mentoring a small team of professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• CPA designation or similar certification preferred.
• Minimum seven years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting.
• Experience with complex accounting issues and technical accounting.
• Experience with SEC financial statements and disclosures.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative accounting guidance on complex transactions.
• Research and document technical accounting conclusions per GAAP/SEC.
• Develop alternatives with management rationale.
• Serve as SME on technical accounting issues.
• Coordinate implementation of new accounting standards.
• Prepare disclosures for SEC filings with Financial Reporting team.
• Lead, mentor a small team of accounting professionals.
• Manage multiple projects and deliverables.

Skills

CPA certification

GAAP knowledge

SEC reporting

Accounting research

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA designation preferred

Job description

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position within FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

The reporting location for this onsite position will be FirstEnergy's corporate headquarters, located in Akron, OH, 44320.

The Accounting Research Manager is responsible for leading the Company's accounting research function and providing technical accounting guidance on complex business transactions, emerging accounting issues, and financial reporting matters. This role serves as a key advisor to senior leadership, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting requirements, and evolving accounting standards.

Reporting to the Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, the Accounting Research Manager evaluates complex accounting matters, develops practical recommendations, and coordinates the implementation of new accounting standards across the organization. The role also partners closely with Financial Reporting, Internal Audit, business leaders, and external auditors to support accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and informed business decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Accounting Leadership

• Provide authoritative accounting guidance and recommendations on complex business transactions and accounting matters
• Research, analyze, and document technical accounting conclusions in accordance with GAAP and SEC requirements
• Develop actionable alternatives and recommendations for management consideration, ensuring decisions are supported by sound analysis and business rationale
• Serve as a subject matter expert on technical accounting issues and accounting policy interpretation

Accounting Standards and Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor, evaluate, and interpret emerging accounting standards, regulatory developments, and SEC reporting requirements
• Assess the potential impact of new accounting pronouncements on the organization and communicate implications to leadership and key stakeholders
• Coordinate the implementation of new accounting standards, interpretations, and reporting requirements across the Company
• Prepare responses and position papers related to proposed accounting standards that may significantly impact the organization
• Partner with the Financial Reporting team to review and prepare disclosures for SEC filings and other external reporting requirements
• Support the preparation and review of technical accounting memorandums and accounting position papers
• Assist in evaluating the accounting implications of strategic initiatives, acquisitions, divestitures, financing activities, and other significant transactions

Stakeholder and Audit Support

• Communicate technical accounting guidance and recommendations to senior leadership and business partners
• Prepare and deliver presentations regarding accounting developments, policies, and complex accounting issues to various levels of management
• Collaborate with external auditors to support technical accounting conclusions and ensure appropriate documentation of accounting positions
• Research, develop, and maintain Company accounting policies and procedures
• Lead, develop, and mentor a small team of accounting professionals
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring timely completion of deliverables

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, or other similar certification, preferred
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive accounting experience, including significant technical accounting and financial reporting responsibilities
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements
• Demonstrated experience researching and resolving complex accounting issues and applying practical solutions to technical accounting matters
• Significant experience with SEC financial statements, reporting requirements, and related disclosures
• Strong understanding of internal controls, financial reporting processes, and accounting policy development
• Proven experience managing accounting projects, implementing accounting standards, and leading process improvements
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising accounting professionals and managing cross-functional initiatives
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
• Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex accounting concepts to diverse audiences

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas currently.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.