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Role Summary

The Accounting Policy & Research Advisor is a master/expert level individual contributor professional with deep and extensive knowledge of Technical Accounting policy, practices and concepts. The incumbent ensures the overall compliance of technical accounting issues and will partner with the Director of Technical Accounting and Controls to identify, evaluate, debate, and document complex technical and Operational Accounting issues. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that all accounting records, policies, and procedures are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and compliant with all regulatory orders and laws. The incumbent acts as a liaison between key operations and accounting personnel, participates in financial research activities, and interprets and communicates professional pronouncements, opinions or statements of the FASB, FERC or the SEC, as applicable, across all affiliated Cleco companies. The incumbent analyzes, understands, and communicates accounting implications of future transactions or proposed projects. The incumbent provides guidance about accounting-related regulatory matters and ensures compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor the activities of all accounting standard setting bodies (e.g., FASB, SEC, FERC, AICPA, EITF, etc.); evaluate research and identify changes in accounting principles or practices and communicate the impact on Cleco and its affiliate

• Participate in the planning and implementation of detailed Accounting policies surrounding US GAAP and other Accounting standards as relevant; prepare and organize accounting documents in line with Cleco’s accounting policies; work closely with business leaders and other corporate teams to prepare, determine, and maintain these policies

• Draft white papers and position papers on the Cleco’s position around technical accounting topics and monitor and update corporate accounting policies; assist with various special projects and supporting other Finance functions as necessary

• Participate in the preparation of SEC filings by providing updates to Financial Reporting on the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Policies disclosures in the 10-Q’s and 10-K’s

• Plan, direct and coordinate research of technical accounting issues related to Cleco, and share findings with external auditors regarding Cleco’s evaluation of technically complex transactions

• Recognized as a technical expert for accounting policy research within the organization; provide technical accounting support to Cleco’s business units in their assessment of accounting issues

• Develop solid business relationships becoming a trusted advisor with key functional leaders and stakeholders to proactively support business objectives for Technical Accounting

• Participate in the review of external reporting to ensure public disclosure is complete and accurate; consult with independent auditors on accounting matters and disclosure requirements as required

• Stay up to date on industry leading practices and contribute innovative ideas to drive continuous improvement of Technical Accounting service delivery and processes; drive automation and the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations and enhance efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business, Master’s preferred

• 7+ years of related experience in Accounting Policy & Research

• Experience in researching and clearly documenting Accounting issues and applicable Accounting standards

• Experience with Accounting and Financial strategy development

• Experience with Financial Systems (e.g., SAP) preferred

• Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret Finance KPIs/metrics and derive insights into actionable opportunities

• Strong project management, communications, writing, speaking, and listening skills

• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner

• Strong customer focus and employee experience mindset

• Knowledge of GAAP, Technical Accounting Internal Control processes

Key Competencies

Behavioral

• Balances Stakeholders

• Business Insight

• Ensures Accountability

• Strategic Mindset

Technical

• Business Partering

• Governance and Internal Control

• Industry and Business Knowledge

Cleco is a privately owned regional energy holding company with two primary businesses. Cleco Power, our regulated electric utility business, owns ten generating assets with a total nameplate capacity of 3,357 megawatts and serves approximately 290,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana and Mississippi. Cleco Cajun, our unregulated electric utility business, owns eight generating assets with a total nameplate capacity of 3,555 megawatts and contracts that serve nine Louisiana cooperatives, five wholesale municipal customers and one electric utility.

In business since 1935, Cleco has deep roots. For more than 85 years, Cleco has kept pace with the ever-changing energy industry to serve its customers. Our corporate office is in Pineville, La. We have offices and 1,500 employees across the state near major cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. If you like great music, food and nature, with a dash of eccentricity, then Louisiana is a good place to call home.