Pool Settlement Analyst - Financial & Contract Services
Southern Company Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Utilities · 10,001+ employees
About the role
The Pool Settlement Analyst supports the administration and settlement of the Intercompany Interchange Contract by analyzing operational, contractual, and financial data. They collaborate with various departments to ensure accurate financial reporting, accounting, and issue resolution related to electric system operations.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline such as Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, or Accounting. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are required for managing complex calculations and large data sets.
Benefits
Full description
Position Overview
Southern Company's Financial & Contract Services (F&CS) organization plays a critical role in supporting Commercial Operations by transforming complex operational, contractual, and financial information into accurate settlements, reporting, accounting, and business analysis.
This position supports the administration and settlement of the Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC), the agreement that governs the sharing of generation resources and allocation of associated costs among Southern Company's Operating Companies. The role analyzes the operational, contractual, and financial activities that drive settlement results and helps ensure the accurate translation of electric system operations into financial reporting, accounting, and customer settlements.
Through collaboration with and support of stakeholders across Commercial Operations, Energy Policy, the Operating Companies, Regulatory, Accounting, and Technology organizations, the successful candidate will develop a broad understanding of Southern Company's electric system, customer settlement processes, load-related activities, and the business and regulatory considerations that influence settlement outcomes.
Candidates with backgrounds in engineering, mathematics, data analytics, computer science, business, finance, accounting, economics, or other technical disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Support the accurate and timely administration and settlement of the Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC), including settlement calculations, accounting information, supporting documentation, reporting, and issue resolution.
- Analyze operational, contractual, and financial data used in the administration of the IIC and the allocation of costs and benefits among Southern Company's Operating Companies.
- Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the methodologies, business rules, and processes that support Pool Settlement and related Commercial Operations activities.
- Perform analytical review of settlement results and investigate variances, trends, and unusual outcomes to identify root causes and ensure accuracy.
- Provide analytical and settlement support for customer settlement processes, load-related activities, days clearing processes, and other initiatives that support Commercial Operations objectives.
- Partner with Commercial Operations, Energy Policy, Operating Company, Regulatory, Accounting, and Technology organizations to resolve complex business and settlement issues and support strategic initiatives.
- Support monthly accounting close activities, reconciliations, variance analysis, financial reporting, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and improve analytical tools, settlement applications, reports, dashboards, and automated processes that enhance business understanding and operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls, improve data quality, streamline processes, and leverage technology to support settlement and reporting functions.
- Support system enhancements, testing efforts, process improvement initiatives, and special projects impacting settlement, accounting, and reporting activities.
- Prepare analyses and supporting documentation for management, auditors, regulatory organizations, Operating Companies, and other internal business partners.
- Maintain thorough documentation of settlement methodologies, business processes, assumptions, calculations, and controls.
- Participate in cross-training and developmental opportunities within Financial & Contract Services to expand knowledge of Commercial Operations, settlement processes, and the wholesale energy business.
Job Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, with the ability to consistently produce accurate, high-quality work while managing complex calculations, large volumes of data, and recurring deadlines.
- Ability to analyze large volumes of information, identify trends, and develop meaningful conclusions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn complex business processes.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other business software applications.
Preferred
- Experience with electric utility operations, power systems, energy markets, settlements, accounting, finance, regulatory reporting, or data analytics.
- Experience working with large data sets and complex calculations.
- Knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, audit requirements, or regulatory reporting processes.
Behavioral Attributes
The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate strong intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand how the business operates.
- Take ownership of work and follow issues through resolution.
- Seek opportunities to improve processes and leverage technology.
- Build strong working relationships across diverse organizations.
- Adapt effectively in a changing environment.
- Demonstrate a commitment to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Consistently model Southern Company's values of Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
Why This Role?
This role provides a unique opportunity to gain broad exposure across Commercial Operations and Financial & Contract Services. The successful candidate will develop expertise in settlement processes, electric system operations, customer analytics, financial reporting, and process improvement while working closely with professionals across Commercial Operations, Operating Companies, Regulatory, Accounting, and Technology organizations.
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.
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