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# Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC



Role Overview for Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded utilities company in their search for a distinguished Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) based in their corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and serving as a key member of the senior management team. Our client is an industry leader, responsible for providing essential energy services to millions of customers, and is deeply committed to operational excellence, sustainable practices, and long-term community value.
The Chief Accounting Officer will be the principal authority on all accounting matters within the organization. This executive will be responsible for the integrity of all financial information, ensuring rigorous compliance with regulatory requirements, and leading a large, multi-faceted accounting department. The ideal candidate is a strategic, forward-thinking leader with unimpeachable integrity, deep technical accounting expertise, and a proven track record of success within a complex, regulated environment.
You will be instrumental in safeguarding the company’s assets, maintaining public and investor trust through transparent and accurate reporting, and providing critical financial insights that drive strategic decision-making at the highest level. This role demands a leader who can not only manage the complexities of today’s accounting landscape but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow, guiding the company through evolving regulations, technological advancements, and strategic growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC
The CAO will direct and oversee all aspects of the company’s accounting functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following key areas of responsibility:
Financial Reporting & SEC Compliance

Lead the preparation and filing of all external financial reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and proxy statements, ensuring full compliance with SEC regulations and disclosure requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the annual audit and quarterly review processes to ensure they are completed efficiently and effectively.
Oversee the implementation of new accounting standards and regulations, assessing their impact on the company’s financial statements and internal controls.
Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all financial data and reporting, maintaining a commitment to transparency and quality for investors and stakeholders.

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls

Direct all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed asset accounting, and cash management.
Maintain and enhance a robust system of internal controls in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, continuously seeking opportunities to improve processes and mitigate risk.
Develop, implement, and enforce accounting policies and procedures across the organization to ensure consistency and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
Drive process improvements and automation initiatives within the accounting department to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Regulatory & Rate Case Support

Oversee the preparation of complex financial schedules and testimony for regulatory filings and rate case proceedings before state Public Utility Commissions (PUCs).
Ensure strict adherence to all FERC accounting requirements, including the Uniform System of Accounts.
Collaborate with regulatory, legal, and operational teams to provide the financial data and analysis necessary to support the company’s regulatory strategy and objectives.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Structure the accounting organization for optimal efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and career development paths for team members.
Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that attracts and retains top talent in the accounting and finance fields.

Strategic Partnership & Financial Strategy

Act as a strategic business partner to the CFO and other senior executives, providing expert counsel on all accounting-related matters.
Support the FP&A team in the budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes by providing accurate historical data and insights.
Provide accounting due diligence and integration support for potential mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
Oversee the company’s corporate tax compliance and strategy, working with internal and external experts to optimize the company’s tax position.

Requirements for the Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Charlotte, NC
We are seeking a seasoned and highly credentialed professional who meets the following qualifications:
Education & Certification

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is mandatory.
An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.

Professional Experience

A minimum of 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Corporate Controller, VP of Accounting) within a large, complex organization.
Extensive experience with a publicly-traded company is required, including direct responsibility for SEC reporting and SOX compliance.
Experience in the public utilities, energy, or a similar capital-intensive, regulated industry is strongly preferred and will be a key differentiator.
‘Big 4’ public accounting experience, particularly auditing public and/or utility clients, is highly desirable.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Deep and comprehensive knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP), SEC regulations, and SOX 404 requirements.
Proven expertise in managing complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition, asset retirement obligations, derivatives, and consolidation.
Proficiency with large-scale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP or Oracle, is essential.
Strong understanding of federal and state tax laws and regulations applicable to corporations.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

Exceptional leadership and team management skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire and develop talent.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including the executive team and Board of Directors.
Superior analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards.
A collaborative and proactive mindset, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

A competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
Long-term incentive plan with equity grants (e.g., RSUs, PSUs).
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Executive-level benefits such as deferred compensation plans and financial planning services.
Commitment to professional development with support for continuing education and industry conferences.
Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the vibrant Charlotte, NC area.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this critical Chief Accounting Officer position. If you are a transformative accounting leader with the requisite experience and a passion for excellence in the public utilities sector, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
Interested in this role but want to see what else we’re working on? Please feel free to explore our other opportunities in the Finance & Accounting sector on our website.