Accountant - General Ledger

At Cleco, we're not just powering lives-we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we're transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to 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 - GL/AR is an experienced professional with knowledge of and experience with Finance Operations and Accounts Receivable principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent works in a group that provides accounting analysis functions necessary to ensure financial activities are recorded and reported accurately and interprets and understands the significance behind the numbers. The [GL/AR] group is responsible for researching and analyzing financial data, and assists the Supervisor, [GL/AR] with research to support operating decisions and enhance existing processes; and performs reconciliations of routine accounting information as well as participate in AR work that is varied with some complexity. The incumbent will also assist in the development and onboarding of entry-level employees with [GL/AR] responsibilities through mentoring and knowledge sharing.Key ResponsibilitiesPerform monthly, quarterly, and annual financial analysis and reportingAnalyze transactions for accuracy; calculate, create, and process miscellaneous journals to ensure the accuracy of financial information; perform reconciliations of various accounting information and/or systems within established deadlinesPrepare Technical Accounting write-ups documenting routine General Ledger/AR Accounting tasks and policies.Monitor, maintain, and ensure compliance with all SOX documented controls for the department; provide support and analysis of accounting data for management and for audit inquiriesAssist in the proper classification of invoices, inventory transactions, payroll charges and transportation expenditures; provide accounting assistance regarding accounting systems, functions, reports, processes and proceduresAdhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Standards, general ledger and accounts receivable best practices, procedures, and processes; provide high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders in response to questions pertaining to the departmentSupport the Supervisor [GL/AR] with the development and implementation of appropriate metrics to manage business risks and improve decision making; consider future implications beyond an immediate problemContribute to the analysis of historical data and identify trends to increase accountability and improve decision making for the department, and contribute to the development of reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact the broader organizationActively engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance department service delivery and processes; assist with process automation and design by identifying areas to reduce routine manual tasksEnsure that assigned AR tasks such as joint-owner power plant billings, miscellaneous invoicing, posting of monies received, etc. are done accurately and timelyCollaborate with team members and prioritize deliverables to achieve project objectives as scheduledAchieve results and reach conclusions by independently researching and analyzing dataParticipate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations and enhance efficiencyModel and promote ethical business conduct and compliance with both the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations to which Cleco is subjectChampions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, sense of belonging, customer service, and operational excellence QualificationsRequired Education, Skills & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting3+ years of related experience preferredExperience with financial systems/SAP preferredExperience with Microsoft tools and applications requiredOverall understanding and knowledge of transaction flow through the AR processes and impact to financial statementsStrong knowledge of AR accounting practicesStrong analytical, problem solving, planning, and project management skillsWillingness and ability to learn new technologies on the jobProficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, presenting ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial mannerStrong customer focus and employee experience mindsetProgression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data. Licenses and CertificationsCertified Public Accountant is desired but not required Key Competencies BEHAVIORALBuilding PartnershipsLeading TeamsBusiness AcumenCommunicationCourageBuilding Self-InsightDriving for ResultsEnergizing the OrganizationDriving ExecutionBuilding Trusting RelationshipsDriving InnovationPlanning and OrganizingSafetyEstablishing Strategic Direction TECHNICAL Core AccountingFinancial Reporting & Data AnalysisIndustry & Business KnowledgeRegulatory AccountingRisk ManagementFinancial SystemsBusiness PartneringFinancial Transaction ManagementProject & Change ManagementMay perform other duties as assigned.