Accounting Director

Job Description

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

We are seeking a strategic hands-on leader, preferably with a mix of public accounting and industry experience, to join our growing organization. The Director of Accounting will ensure Black Hills Corporation, a publicly traded company, reports accurate and timely financial results in accordance with GAAP and FERC. They will ensure the necessary team, processes, and internal controls are in place to measure the financial performance of the business. The Director of Accounting will be responsible for the direct oversight of multiple accounting functions including, but may not be limited to, electric and natural gas margin accounting and corporate accounting and will work closely with senior leadership of the company as well as our external auditors. Partnering with leaders across the enterprise will be vital to ensure complex and non-routine agreements or transactions are recorded in compliance with financial policies, SEC requirements, FERC and GAAP. This leader will also be responsible for maintaining the Internal Controls over Financial Reporting in compliance with Sarbanes Oxley. 

Pay Range: $152,100 - $250,950 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: Vice President, Corporate Controller

Location: Rapid City, SD

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process. 

Essential Functions:

• Oversee accounting functions for the enterprise, including corporate accounting and margin accounting, and support departmental budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Maintain strong understanding of GAAP, FERC, SEC pronouncements, and other regulations pertinent to the Company and monitor activities of the SEC, PCAOB, FASB and FERC to determine future impacts to the company. Lead implementation of new accounting pronouncements and executing of recurring key accounting assessments, such as the annual Goodwill impairment assessment. 
• Ensure financial statements are completed timely and accurately in compliance with GAAP, FERC, and SEC requirements; accounting estimates are appropriate given the risks and uncertainties involved; and accounting records contain the information necessary to meet reporting requirements.
• Manage all monthly, quarterly and year-end close activities. Coordinate work with internal and external audit plans. Responsible for implementation of agreed upon recommendations as a result of audit findings.
• Act as the company’s technical expert in accounting matters by solutioning for problems using accounting experience and expertise to drive value for the business.
• Develop, implement, maintain and monitor internal controls within accounting processes to ensure the accuracy of our consolidated financial records and statements including compliance with Sarbanes Oxley. Partner with internal audit, IT compliance and other organization leaders to ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Develop and maintain strong accounting policies and procedures.
• Lead and create efficiencies in accounting processes by implementing process improvements, technology driven solutions and automation. Partner with Accounting Systems to ensure all financial systems are properly operating to capture and produce timely and accurate information and support the company’s growth.
• Build, lead and inspire a high-performing Accounting organization with a focus on developing and implementing solid succession planning.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Exercise management authority concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations and terminations in accordance with company policy and law. Lead staff in appraising performance, directing work, rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems of their respective teams. Create an atmosphere of open communication and a sense of urgency to problem resolution. Lead department in a manner that emphasizes the Company’s values.
• Serve as a key member on enterprise-wide projects including mergers and acquisition activity. Support due diligence efforts and communicate accounting and financial reporting implications based on findings.

What Is Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field is required. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in public accounting, finance, or audit. 
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading and managing a departmental function. 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 

What Is Desired:

• Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Exposure to and/or knowledge of the utiltiy industry. 
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of accounting and reporting guidance and regulations issued by FASB, SEC and FERC.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and strong cross-functional relationships across an organization to achieve common goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a direct communicator who can distill information into a digestible presentation for senior executives.
• A hands-on leader; broadly shares responsibility and accountability of both routine and important tasks and decisions; provides timely and thoughtful feedback.
• Strong people leadership skills and the ability to build solid succession planning.
• Able to motivate and mobilize others; creates a team culture where everyone wants to do their best and deliver results.
• Decision maker with ability to exercise excellent judgement without complete information.
• Strategically-minded and able to apply critical thinking to holistically solving complex business problems.
• Highly analytical and able to understand how technology applies to job responsibilities 
• Thrive in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.  If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at [email protected]. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.