Sr Accounting Analyst

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.  

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the One Energy Plaza located in Jackson, Mi.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Accounting Analyst will play a pivotal role in the Revenue and Fuel Cost Accounting team. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely accounting for revenue and fuel costs, accounting for cost recovery, supporting the cost recovery reconciliation cases, providing insightful analysis to support decision-making processes, and presenting financial results to senior management.

The Senior Accounting Analyst oversees the provision of general/sub ledgers, records, and financial reports; the preparation and analysis of different accounts; and the performance of general accounting functions. The incumbent manages regulatory accounting compliance by conducting complex research, reviewing data, and preparing regulatory reports, and supporting regulatory cases by analyzing and providing information. Identifies and resolves complex variances between the company's system of record and subledger. The Senior Accounting Analyst analyzes highly complex expenditures to validate appropriateness and provide necessary accounting recommendations. The incumbent works closely with other teams, including Shared Services, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Treasury, Operations, Rates, Internal Controls, external auditors, and regulatory staff. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for regularly communicating to the company's senior management team regarding their area of expertise, such as cash flows, margin estimates, regulatory filings, uncollectibles, lease accounting, Income Statement and margin variances.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned or as may be necessary
• Utilizes automation to create custom visualizations and enhanced financial reports with graphs, tables, and charts using data visualization solutions like Power BI, Alteryx, or other software
• Maintains and tests internal controls; assists in overseeing the budgeting and forecasting process by developing monthly and long‑term financial plans through data‑ and evidence‑based analysis and incorporating these into financial models; maintains master data; and performs revenue and cost accounting
• Prepares complex ad hoc reporting as needed for research, rate case support, studies, surveys, and other ad hoc requests; reviews rate case testimony/exhibits and oversees data analysis for regulatory filings
• Prepares and records monthly and non‑recurring general ledger entries (including O&M vs. capital)
• Owns processes used in preparing financial reports and analyses to support variances, including presenting results, risks, and opportunities to Accounting Leadership
• Performs account reconciliations and balance sheet variance analysis; supports SEC reporting
• Manages complex transactions such as lease accounting, overhead allocations/studies, cost accounting, and other financial transactions
• Performs month‑end close ensuring accuracy and timely financial statements
• Provides advanced accounting guidance using GAAP and regulatory resources
• Provides complex data and financial analysis in support of external/internal customer requirements and audits
• Reviews general ledger activity for accuracy; manages cost accounting activities, forecasts, variance analysis, risk/opportunity coordination, and cash flow analyses

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Ability to obtain and analyze large data sets
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of SAP or similar accounting systems
• Deep knowledge of GAAP and regulatory accounting
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline with four (4) years of experience as an Accounting Analyst
  OR
• Associate degree with six (6) years of experience as an Accounting Analyst
  OR
• High School Diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience as an Accounting Analyst

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.