Assumes lead role in facilitating business close cycles. Builds and maintains relationships with customers of the organization and users of Xcel Energy's financial information. Conducts specialized analysis and studies. Resolves technical accounting issues. Possesses expert understanding of technical accounting/financial principles, practices and procedures, and financial systems and processes. Ensures adherence to general accounting and tax rules, SEC rules and FERC rules as needed. Possesses a thorough understanding of the business. Frequently assigned to lead roles for unusual and complex assignments. Designs and implements internal financial and accounting process controls. Involved in agreement and order negotiations, including clarification of ambiguous items. Provides work instruction to others. Provides consulting on specific topics within the organization, business areas and to executive management. Essential Responsibilities. Uses project management skills to lead complex projects including business close cycles, and successful implementation of problem resolutions and process improvements. Communicates financial results, impacts and actions required, to business areas and executive management. Designs and implements internal financial and accounting process controls, including testing procedures and assessment remediation. (10%)Represents the business area on I/ T concerns. Establishes the objective and user requirements of system enhancements. Involved in the balance of system enhancement costs to end results. May sign off on design documents and approve implementation. Evaluates proposed transactions for accounting implications, provides constructive analysis. Conducts research and develops strategies. (10%)Prepares filings, testimony and defense of company positions, on legal and regulatory matters. May serve as a subject matter expertise or witness during proceedings. (10%)Involved in the training of co-workers, subordinates, and new employees. Expected to provide supervision or function as team lead within the department. (10%)Gains customer (internal and external) and executive management's confidence and builds relationships through results. (10%)Minimum Requirements. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related degree, advanced degree such as MBA/ MBT desired. CPA, CMA, IA or other relevant certification preferred. Requires 8 - 10 years general financial/accounting and reporting experience. In-depth knowledge of GAAP, SEC, FERC and various other regulatory rules. Ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences and analyze more complex business scenarios. Experience with leadership and project management. Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office applications.