Senior Internal Controls Analyst - ESG
Description
Southern Company is a leading producer of clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, and we approach each day as a vital step in building the future of energy. At Southern Company we are always looking ahead, and our innovations in the industry—from new nuclear to deployment of electric transportation and renewables —help brighten the lives and businesses of millions of customers nationwide.
This position will lead efforts to ensure the Company’s internal control structure complies with the new Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) SEC requirements. This position will be responsible for designing controls, performing and documenting control walkthroughs, updating flowcharts/narratives, creating control test plans, performing control testing, evaluating exceptions/deficiencies, training control owners/performers, and reporting system-wide results to management across the system. Responsibilities also include developing and enhancing relationships with the various business units impacted by ESG.
Position is available for remote candidates
Major Job Responsibilities
Effectively lead top-down risk-based approach to comply with new ESG requirements. This includes controls rationalization, effective control design & testing assessments.
Stay up to date on developments in ESG reporting as applicable to the Utility industry, including best practices impacting the ESG internal control framework
Develop an understanding of the ESG business processes and identify risks and controls
Assist with ESG related Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Participate in ESG projects that impact internal controls
Identify and maintain relationships with key control stakeholders
Advise and support key stakeholders with the correct application of ESG internal control requirements
Perform and document: walkthroughs, process flowcharts, control testing, deficiency evaluations (when needed) and periodic status updates
Assist with external audit reviews regarding ESG internal control topics
Identify technologies and processes to improve business and control procedures to bring efficiency to the ESG control strategy and execution
Partner with management teams to ensure Internal Controls activities are designed and operating effectively. Maintain open communication to ensure timely reporting of monitoring and testing results
Leverage available tools to perform data analytics
Education & Certifications
Experience
Four or more years of relevant experience in auditing or business-related field is required
Knowledge of internal controls, COSO and Sarbanes-Oxley Act is preferred
Sustainability / ESG education or experience is a plus
Preferred Areas of Knowledge
ESG frameworks such as GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Boards), TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures), CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) and GHG (Greenhouse Gas Protocol)
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Auditing Standard 5
COSO 2013 Internal Control Framework
Security and Exchange Commission rules and reporting requirements
Preferred Skills
Ability to work in a changing environment and to build collaborative networks across the organization
Ability to understand complex ESG topics and translate those to the internal control framework
Proactive approach to projects
Overcome barriers to change and engage others to partner in implementing change effectively
Ability to communicate to all levels of the organization
Creative problem-solving skills
Effectively resolve conflict, confront disagreements positively, and express different points of view
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with control owners and management
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and foster lasting relationships
Effective leadership skills with the ability to train less experienced employees
Effective organization skills as well as project development and management skills, along with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Good business judgment and decision-making skills
Excellent teamwork abilities both within immediate team as well as across the enterprise
Ability to work independently and demonstrate self-confidence and initiative
Desire to learn the Utility business and operational functions
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Controls/Workpaper Management Application (such as Workiva’s Wdesk)
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. #LI
Job Field: Accounting & Auditing
Job Type: Standard
Primary Location: Alabama-Metro Birmingham/Eastern AL-Birmingham
Operating Company: Southern Company Services
Other Locations: Georgia-Metro Atlanta-Atlanta
Job Type: Standard
Travel (Up to...): Yes, 25 % of the Time
Work Location(s):
APC Corporate Headquarters - 600 North 18th Street (600BIRMINGHAM)
600 North 18th Street
Birmingham, 35203
Georgia Power Headquarters - 241 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE (241ATLANTA)
241 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE
Atlanta, 30308
Req ID: SCS2010559