Accountant Senior or Accountant Principal

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Columbus, OH, USA
In-Office
87K-129K Annually
Senior level
Energy • Renewable Energy
The Role
Lead general ledger accounting and month-end close activities, design and review journal entry processes, and perform analytical account reviews using data tools. Ensure GAAP and regulatory compliance (including FERC reporting), support audits and regulatory filings, drive process improvements, mentor junior staff, and participate in cross-functional projects and special initiatives.
Summary Generated by Built In

Job Posting End Date

08-29-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Take your accounting career to the next level in a supportive, fast-moving environment where your work matters. The Accountant Senior and Accountant Principal roles provide advanced accounting support for AEP companies, including designing and reviewing journal entry processes, developing analytical review procedures, and leading general ledger close processes and certain reporting activities for assigned areas of responsibility. Some of our Accountant Seniors and Accountant Principals also assist in our regulatory support process, including addressing complex implications of the regulatory environment. As you progress from Senior to Principal, you’ll take on increasingly complex assignments and broader leadership responsibilities across processes, reviews, and strategic initiatives. Both roles play a key part in maintaining accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity across the AEP system while supporting a culture of excellence and innovation.
At AEP, we invest in your long-term success. As an Accountant Senior or Accountant Principal, you will lead complex accounting processes, mentor junior staff, and influence strategic decisions. These roles position you for progression into specialized leadership roles across the company. AEP supports your growth through leadership development, mentorship, and tuition assistance. If you’re looking to make an impact at a purpose‑driven company that values your development, we’d love to meet you.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

  • Perform general ledger accounting functions, including developing and reviewing journal entry processes, reviewing high‑risk account reconciliations, conducting balance sheet reviews, and performing detailed account activity analysis using data analytics tools.

  • Serve as a process leader by helping plan resources, coordinate activities, and meet deadlines within the accounting function for assigned areas of responsibility.

  • Ensure financial system applications operate accurately and timely to support monthly close and other critical reporting schedules.

  • Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and year‑to‑date variance analyses.

  • Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley requirements, internal controls, and established accounting policies.

  • Develop and perform analytic procedures to support financial integrity and provide business insights to AEP partners.

  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships within Accounting and with other AEP business partners.

  • Oversee the preparation, review, and accuracy of monthly reports, billings, and internal management reports for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Review and approve quarterly and annual Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reporting and assist with quarterly and annual GAAP financial statements, footnotes, and MD&A.

  • Respond to and review data requests from internal and external auditors, regulators, and business partners.

  • Provide analysis and support for AEP regulatory filings, proceedings, and related reporting requirements.

  • Proactively assess, develop, and enhance accounting processes and procedures to drive continuous improvement.

  • Research, document, and assist in the implementation of new GAAP standards.

  • Lead or participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

Accountant Principal and Senior
 

Education: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business with an Accounting concentration.

Experience:

  • 3 years of accounting experience required. (Accountant Senior)

  • 4 years of accounting experience required. (Accountant Principal)
     

Other Must Haves:

  • Strong understanding of GAAP and regulatory reporting requirements. 

  • CPA or progress towards certification preferred. 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft products and familiarity with ERP systems. PeopleSoft experience preferred. 

  • Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior. 

  • Exposure to and familiarity with the utility industry preferred. 

  • Public accounting experience and/or experience supporting external audits is preferred. 

  • Strong business acumen with an eye for efficiency and process improvement.

  • Analytical mindset with attention to detail and accuracy. 

  • Ability to employ a logical approach to solve problems and achieve objectives. 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.

  • Ability to coach and guide others, including providing constructive feedback.

  • Continuous improvement mindset demonstrated through adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and initiative.

What You'll Work:

  • This is an On-Site role based out of Columbus, OH.

What You'll Get:

  • Salary Range between $87,000-$118,000

  • Annual Bonus

  • 401(k) Match

  • AEP Pension

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you.

Please note that this role is eligible for the employee referral bonus program. For additional information, refer to the Workday Help article ‘Employee Referral Bonus Program’ by searching in the Workday search bar.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$87,633.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.  

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business with an Accounting concentration
  • 3 years of accounting experience (Accountant Senior)
  • 4 years of accounting experience (Accountant Principal)
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and regulatory reporting requirements
  • Proficiency in Microsoft products
  • Familiarity with ERP systems
  • PeopleSoft experience
  • Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior
  • Ability to develop analytical procedures and perform detailed account analysis (data analytics tools)
  • Experience with regulatory filings and FERC reporting
  • Public accounting experience and/or experience supporting external audits
  • CPA or progress toward CPA certification
  • Strong business acumen, process improvement mindset, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to coach and guide others, including providing constructive feedback
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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The Company
HQ: Columbus, OH
12,632 Employees

What We Do

Our team at American Electric Power is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. Our family of companies includes AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. AEP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit aep.com.

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