Mgr, Accounting

Dairyland Power Cooperative; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 118,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse, WI, is seeking an experienced accounting leader to supervise the Accounting Department, including payroll, GL, accounts payable/receivable, and billing. You will guide day-to-day activities, ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP, and partner with management on strategic financial initiatives.

The role requires a CPA/CMA or MBA plus seven years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably in a utility/cooperative setting, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA, CMA or MBA preferred.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
• Experience with a utility and/or a cooperative business model preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of accountants, including senior-level staff; hire, coach and develop personnel.
• Direct daily accounting activities and ensure accurate financial statements in line with GAAP.
• Handle tax filings and joint plant contracts; support loan financing data.
• Coordinate audit work with internal and external auditors.
• Develop and administer internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Communicate data from accounting records to management and stakeholders; partner with functions.
• Support change management initiatives and financial systems enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes and controls.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP

General accounting

Business taxes

Financial systems

ERP implementation

AI process improvements

Supervisory/management

Written/verbal/interpersonal

Attention to detail

Analytical/problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA, CMA or MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Hiring Salary Range: $117,800 - $176,700 Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

The Impact you will make in this Role: Assist in the planning, organizing and leading of the operations of the Accounting Department, including payroll, cash management, general ledger, inventory, asset management, accounts payable, accounts receivable and billing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 1. Lead a team of accountants, including senior-level staff. Review team work requirements and projects for completion on a timely basis. Hire, evaluate, coach and develop team personnel.
• 2. Lead and direct daily accounting activities. Responsible for the preparation, analysis and reconciliation of financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with accepted accounting principles.
• 3. Responsible for required tax and government filings and joint plant contracts, including data to support loan financing.
• 4. Coordinate and support all related audit work for internal and external auditors.
• 5. Assist in the development, implementation and administration of internal controls and accounting procedures.
• 6. Provide, interpret and communicate data from accounting records as required from management and other functions. Support requests from and may communicate directly with other key stakeholders such as Executive Management, the Board of Directors, distribution cooperative managers and staff, and attorneys. Acts as a business partner with other functions to provide optimal solutions for the accounting and operational interface.
• 7. Support, participate and assist in leading the implementation of change management initiatives, including work with financial systems. Support strategic financial initiatives as requested.
• 8. Proactively work with staff and cross functional stakeholders to improve and create new processes and controls for the greater good of all in the company.
• 9. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA, CMA or MBA preferred. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience required. Experience must include working collaboratively with various groups, including Executive Management and cross-functional teams. Experience with a utility and/or a cooperative business model preferred. Project management experience preferred.

Skills

• Solid knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with general accounting functions and corporate financial processes
• Knowledge of business taxes
• Technical skills; experienced in working with and understanding financial systems;
• ERP implementation experience and AI process improvements a plus
• Must have demonstrated supervisory/management skills including areas of employee development and training
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Advanced attention to detail
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving and prioritization skills

Licenses and Certifications

CPA, CMA or MBA preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Environmental Demands

The majority of time is performed in an office setting (indoors). May periodically travel to plant or transmission locations. Position will include some travel, at times overnight.

Other Job Characteristics

Ability to work independently and maintain accuracy under pressure and meet required deadlines. Handle confidential materials and maintain confidentiality

With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland is a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale energy for 24 electric distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

At Dairyland, we know that happy employees are the backbone of any good organization. By offering an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment, Dairyland helps ensure a quality business and premier workplace.