Job Description

Technical Accounting Research – Staff Accountant

Organization Description

Southern Company Services

This position is part of a collaborative technical accounting and policy team responsible for researching authoritative accounting guidance, supporting the adoption of new accounting standards, and analyzing routine to moderately complex business transactions to support GAAP-compliant financial statements and disclosures.

The role supports accounting research and contract review activities across Southern Company and its subsidiaries, with a particular focus on software and technology-related arrangements, including internal-use software and cloud-based solutions. The position prepares technical accounting documentation and participates in quarterly and annual financial reporting activities.

Job Responsibilities & Accountabilities by Competency

Functional Expertise

• Research and provide sound guidance on accounting and reporting issues under U.S. GAAP, with emphasis on software and technology-related transactions.
• Prepare clear written documentation of accounting research and conclusions, including review templates and technical accounting memos.
• Prepare professional emails and presentation materials to communicate accounting conclusions and guidance.
• Support the development and maintenance of company-wide accounting policies and procedures.
• Review contracts and proposed or completed transactions to identify accounting and financial statement disclosure impacts.
• Assist in evaluating the impact of new accounting standards and participate in standard adoption activities.
• Participate in quarterly and annual financial reporting processes.

Business Acumen

• Ability to apply accounting guidance to business transactions using established policies and professional judgment.
• Ability to read and interpret accounting literature and contracts.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to identify errors, problems and opportunities (i.e. a continuous improvement in mindset)

Engagement

• Collaborate with colleagues across business units to address issues, answer inquiries, and provide accounting recommendations.
• Communicate accounting topics clearly and professionally to various audiences.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime, as needed, to provide timely service to customers.

Driving Results

• Complete assigned work accurately and on time.
• Offer suggestions for process improvements and help implement changes.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent education or experience

Preferred: CPA or progress toward CPA

Required: Minimum 2 years of accounting or auditing experience

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.