Staff III or Sr, Accountant

Job Summary

SouthStar Energy Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, serves more than 600,000 residential, commercial, industrial, and compressed natural gas (CNG) customers across multiple retail energy choice markets in the United States. Operating under trade names such as Georgia Natural Gas, Florida Natural Gas, Ohio Natural Gas, Pennsylvania Energy, Grand Rapids Energy, Illinois Energy, and Illinois Energy Solutions, SouthStar combines national scale with strong regional market expertise.

With more than 25 years of experience in retail energy markets, SouthStar manages a diverse portfolio of customers and supports more than 8 million customer interactions annually. The company is also committed to environmental stewardship through its Greener Life program, which enables customers to make their natural gas usage carbon neutral.

This position is responsible for the accurate recognition, analysis, and reporting of gas costs and related expenses for SouthStar Energy Services and its operating markets. The role supports monthly financial close activities and contributes to financial analysis, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and post general ledger journal entries, including gas cost and operating expense accruals, for assigned markets.
• Calculate monthly gas cost estimates and prior month true ups, including natural gas inventory.
• Analyze, interpret, and present gas cost estimates and true‑ups during monthly gas cost review meetings with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Assist with preparation of monthly counterparty settlement packages, as required.
• Complete monthly balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Support preparation of monthly financial reporting packages, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and variance analysis.
• Provide accounting and financial support to management and operational teams to facilitate understanding of business performance.
• Work closely with internal and external auditors by preparing supporting schedules and responding to audit inquiries.
• Maintain documentation and controls to support Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements.
• Participate in special projects and represent accounting requirements related to system, process, or business changes.
• Support cross‑training initiatives and provide secondary accounting coverage for additional markets, as assigned.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Typically 3-9 years of progressive accounting experience, including budgeting, cost analysis, and financial analysis.

Preferred:

• Experience in the energy or utilities industry.
• Experience working with Oracle or similar enterprise financial systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the ability to apply accounting concepts to moderately complex assignments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and evaluate complex accounting and financial data.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, accountability, and organizational skills.
• Effective problem‑solving skills, including the ability to think critically and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a time‑sensitive environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

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.