Senior Accountant

The Senior Accountant is a key member of the Finance & Accounting team at ESS, a solar operations and maintenance (O&M) services company supporting a national portfolio of solar assets. This role owns core elements of the monthly close and is responsible for the review of financial statements and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with GAAP. The ideal candidate brings a services-industry accounting background , where revenue is earned through contracts, labor, and recurring service agreements rather than product sales, and is comfortable with the rhythms of a field-services business: contract billing, deferred revenue, job and project costing, and labor-driven cost of services. The Senior Accountant works closely with operations leadership to translate field activity into accurate financials and provides analysis that supports pricing, contract profitability, and management decision-making.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Review & Reporting

• Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for accuracy and completeness; investigate and explain variances against budget, forecast, and prior periods before financials are released to management.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by staff; ensure documentation meets audit standards.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations for key accounts, including accrued revenue/unbilled receivables, deferred revenue, accrued liabilities, prepaid expenses, and intercompany accounts.
• Support preparation of monthly reporting packages for management and parent-company consolidation, including commentary on results and key drivers.

Month-End Close & General Accounting

• Own assigned components of the month-end close calendar and drive close timeline adherence; identify and implement opportunities to shorten and standardize the close.
• Maintain the general ledger in accordance with GAAP, including revenue recognition for service contracts (recurring O&M agreements, time-and-materials work, and project-based services) under ASC 606.
• Record and review payroll-related entries, including labor allocations to jobs/projects and accruals for wages, bonuses, and benefits, in coordination with payroll.

Services Revenue & Contract Accounting

• Manage billing and revenue schedules for customer service agreements: recurring O&M contracts, preventative maintenance, corrective work orders, and special projects.
• Track contract assets and liabilities (unbilled revenue, deferred revenue, retainage where applicable) and ensure revenue is recognized in the correct period as services are performed.
• Analyze contract and project profitability, including labor utilization and cost of services, and provide insights to operations and management.

Audit, Compliance & Controls

• Serve as a primary point of contact for external audit and tax preparers; prepare PBC schedules and respond to auditor inquiries.
• Maintain and improve internal controls over financial reporting; document accounting policies and procedures.
• Support compliance-related accounting matters, including sales/use tax across multiple states and financial documentation supporting customer contract requirements.

Process Improvement & Team Support

• Identify automation and efficiency opportunities within the accounting systems and close process.
• Mentor and review the work of staff accountants; provide guidance on technical accounting questions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis as directed by the Controller / Director of Finance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years at a senior or lead level.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing financial statements, reconciliations, and the work of other accountants — not solely preparing them.
• Accounting experience in a services-based business (e.g., field services, professional services, facilities/maintenance services, construction services, or similar), with working knowledge of service contract revenue recognition, deferred/unbilled revenue, and labor-driven cost structures.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including ASC 606 revenue recognition for service arrangements.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, large data reconciliation) and proficiency with mid-market accounting/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; able to explain financial results to non-finance operations leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPA candidate.
• Experience in solar, renewable energy, energy services, or construction/field-services industries.
• Experience with job costing / project accounting and multi-entity or parent-subsidiary reporting environments.
• Exposure to prevailing wage, certified payroll, or government/tax-credit compliance environments (e.g., IRA-related project requirements).
• Experience with [accounting system, e.g., Sage Intacct, NetSuite, QuickBooks Enterprise] and BambooHR or similar HRIS/payroll platforms.

Success Measures (First Year)

• Monthly financials reviewed and delivered on schedule with documented variance explanations.
• Clean external audit support with timely, complete PBC delivery.
• Balance sheet accounts reconciled monthly with no aged unexplained items.
• Measurable improvement to close timeline or process documentation.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. 

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $85,000-95,000 encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

About Us:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions 🌞. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments 💼. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers 🌍. But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do 🌿. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority 💡. At New Energy Equity, you’ll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together 🎉. With over 250 projects across the U.S. 🌎, our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖️ and a fun, fulfilling career path 🌟. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future 🌍.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at [email protected]