Cost Accounting Specialist

Union Power Cooperative has an immediate opening for a Cost Accounting Specialist who properly and timely accounts for all costs related to inventory, the construction of plant and the purchase of fixed assets including the proper allocation of costs, efficiently and effectively closing work orders and proper identification and classification of items in the utility asset records; while continuously remaining focused on the Cooperative's Mission and Vision Statements, and the promotion of the Cooperative's Guiding Values.

Essential Duties of the Position:

- Reconciles inventory, work order and fixed asset subsidiary ledgers to the general ledger on a monthly basis.

- Reconciles construction and retirement work-in-progress to the general ledger on a monthly basis.

- Responsible for setup and maintenance of construction units and record units; including periodic calculation and update of standard costs.

- Ensures proper work plan numbers and years are assigned to work orders and ensures tag numbers are applied to fixed assets appropriately.

- Calculates depreciation for fixed assets on a monthly basis.

- Prepares fuel and transportation cost allocations and related journals.

- Calculates overhead rates and ensures they are properly applied to open work orders.

- Reconciles all work order costs to staking sheets and/or asbuilts, researches discrepancies and closes work orders to plant.

- Evaluates and reports on the status of open work orders and determines whether to close or cancel them; ensuring all construction and retirement work-in-progress is timely closed to plant.

- Summarizes data and prepares Inventory of Work Orders reports and Special Equipment reports to meet Rural Utilities Service (RUS) reporting and loan fund requisition requirements.

- Responsible for identifying and initiating refunds for excess contributions in aid-to-construction.

- Reviews fixed asset and construction contractor invoices in preparation for payment; including proper rate, tag, classification and coding.

- Coordinates the periodic physical inventory of fixed assets.

- Maintains FEMA documentation after qualifying events and assists in preparing project worksheets.

- Obtains and maintains a thorough working knowledge of Meridian's software systems as pertains to duties and responsibilities assigned.

- Maintains access to confidential member records and other confidential information.

- Prepares reports, correspondence and audit work papers, as required.

- Receives training as directed by the Manager of Finance & Accounting.

- Updates and maintains daily job procedures.

- Performs all duties assigned by supervision.

Work Qualifications:

- High school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency required. Associate's degree in Accounting or business-related field preferred.

- Five years of experience in accounting or related field required. Two plus years of experience in cost or project accounting preferred.

- Previous utility industry experience preferred. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy.

- Must publicly represent the Cooperative well and must be able to effectively and professionally interact with other Cooperative employees, members, consultants, vendors and other contacts.

- Must be able to successfully work in a cross-functional team environment to discuss issues and achieve results.

- Must have excellent problem solving and organizational skills, be able to work under strict deadlines and be accurate, thorough and timely in performing duties.

- Must have basic math skills, be able to type by touch and be able to use standard office equipment.

- Must be proficient using standard operating systems and the Microsoft Office suite of applications. Basic MS Excel skills acceptable. Intermediate MS Excel skills preferred.

- Working knowledge of Meridian's accounting systems preferred.

- Must be able to maintain confidential information.

- Must have reliable transportation and maintain regular and predictable attendance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.