LEAD, ACCOUNTING

JOB TITLE: LEAD, ACCOUNTING

LOCATION: ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE/BANGOR

REPORTS TO: MANAGER, ACCOUNTING

POSITION STATUS: EXEMPT, NON-BARGAINING UNIT

Be a part of the team that is transforming the power industry of northern and eastern Maine.

Versant Power is building on our 100-year history of delivering efficient, safe, and reliable electricity service to customers in northern and eastern Maine. We never lose sight of safety, quality, integrity, and innovation.

We are committed to our dedicated people, who inspire us every day to deliver something more powerful than power alone.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Lead, Accounting plays a critical role in driving operational excellence across key accounting functions, including cash management, accounts payable, and payroll. This position serves as a subject matter expert and strategic partner, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial processes. The Lead collaborates closely with internal teams and external partners to support regulatory reporting, cost tracking, and event-specific financial analysis.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Collaboration and Leadership

- Acts as a lead resource and mentor within the accounting operations team, supporting training and knowledge sharing.

- Coordinates daily work priorities and collaborates with team members to ensure timely and accurate completion of tasks.

- Promotes a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

- Facilitates cross-training and knowledge sharing to build operational flexibility.

Accounts Payable and Cash Management

- Leads the execution and continuous improvement of accounts payable operations, supporting the processing of approximately 28,000 invoices and $370 million in annual payments.

- Reviews and validates cash disbursements, ensuring alignment with internal controls and compliance standards.

- Manages the abandoned property process in accordance with state and regulatory requirements.

- Reviews weekly payment batches, including voids and cancellations, to ensure accuracy and policy adherence.

- Maintains and enhances payment templates and banking protocols to support secure and efficient disbursement processes.

- Performs and analyzes bank reconciliations to ensure the integrity of financial records.

- Recommends and implements enhancements to payment and procurement procedures to drive efficiency and strengthen internal controls.

Payroll Oversight

- Provides leadership and oversight for weekly payroll processing for approximately 550 employees, totaling $55M annually.

- Ensures confidentiality and compliance with payroll policies and labor agreements.

- Serves as a key liaison between Payroll, Human Resources, and business units, offering expertise on time entry, payroll inquiries, and issue resolution.

- Maintains a strong understanding of the company’s Bargaining Agreement and its implications for payroll operations.

Operational and Regulatory Support

- Leads the tracking and financial review of internal and mutual aid storm event costs, including invoicing where applicable.

- Supports regulatory filings and compliance with accounting orders through data collection, analysis, and report preparation.

- Partners with business units to promote financial literacy and adherence to accounting policies and procedures.

- Contributes to special projects and performs ad hoc financial and administrative tasks in support of departmental goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience will be considered.

- Three or more years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related operational role.

- Experience leading projects, mentoring peers, or serving as a go-to resource within a team environment.

- Familiarity with US GAAP and/or FERC accounting principles is a plus.

- Exposure to mid- to enterprise-level financial systems (e.g., Oracle Financials, Cognos, TM1) is beneficial.

- Comfortable working with financial data and systems beyond basic accounting software.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications, with the ability to work with and interpret large data sets.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

- Consistently delivers accurate, timely, and high-quality results.

- Possesses strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

NOTES:

- Position is primarily sedentary. Some walking, standing, and driving required.

- Position requires strong oral and written communication skills.

- Position requires strong interpersonal skills.

- Position requires visual and mental concentration.

- Versant Power is a tobacco free and fragrance free workplace.

RATE OF PAY:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.