The position is primarily responsible for assisting in OPC's overall Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program and accounting special projects. This role will focus on supporting the internal control compliance activities as it pertains to Section 302 and 404 of SOX. This encompasses assisting in the maintenance of the SOX project plan, assessment tools and techniques, documentation and testing standards within the SOX Management module of the Workiva Wdesk system. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the development, application and maintenance of internal controls assessment processes, financial risk assessment processes and fraud risk assessment/management processes.

Approximately 30% of the responsibilities may also consist of transactional accounting and financial reporting activities such as the preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations and variance analyses. Additionally, the position may periodically provide project management support to assist the Controller Group in maintaining and enhancing internal control, facilitating coordination of interdepartmental activities, and enhancing business processes, including support of software implementations or upgrades. The percentage of time spent on these duties may vary and will depend on departmental needs.

Job Duties:

• Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Project - assist in the preparation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the SOX/404 compliance process. The position will also provide assistance and support with Controller Group projects and activities as these arise. Collectively these involve the following major responsibilities:
  • Section 404
    • Assist in the maintenance of SOX project plan, assessment tools and techniques, and documentation and testing standards.
    • Assist in application, and maintenance of internal controls assessment processes.
    • Assist in application, and maintenance of financial risk assessment processes.
    • Assist in application, and maintenance of fraud assessment/management processes.
    • Assist with Entity level assessments and remediation.
    • Support ongoing business process review, assessment, and remediation.
    • Assist in IT General Controls review, assessment, and remediation, as necessary.
    • Assist with testing plans, as necessary.
    • Assist in resolution of control deficiencies and weaknesses.
    • Assist with maintenance of the SOX/404 documentation library.
    • Assistance in the coordination and communication, with key stakeholders.
    • Research of PCAOB, COSO, and COBIT standards and industry best practices.
    • Assist the Controller Department in implementing and supporting new or revised control frameworks, as necessary.
  • Section 302
    • Assist in quarterly and annual certification processes.
  • Other Sections
    • Maintenance of processes, policies, and procedures related to other Sarbanes-Oxley regulations (e.g. Code of Ethics, Review of Annual External Auditor activities.)
  • Transactional Accounting and Financial Reporting
    • Complete monthly responsibilities related to transactional accounting and financial reporting activities as assigned:
      • Preparation of journal entries.
      • Preparation of account reconciliations.
      • Preparation of variance analyses.
      • Ad hoc reporting.
    • Controller Group Projects
      • Assist and provide support to the Controller Group for all phases of projects from inception to completion.
      • Provide support as needed to members of project teams.
      • Establish relationships and work effectively with individuals to meet commitments effectively and efficiently.
      • Communicate status of work to appropriate parties to keep them informed and involved.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance/Business or related field.

Experience: 1-3 years in Accounting or a related control discipline (e.g. Risk Management, Internal/External Audit, Operations.)

• Knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, and/or auditing, and internal control concepts, processes, and related tests (COSO, PCAOB, COBIT), a plus.
• Experience in communicating and presenting to management, a plus.
• Knowledge of accounting/finance IT systems, a plus.
• Knowledge of enterprise risk management concepts, a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Expertise in Microsoft Office, including Excel, required. Familiarity with ERP systems, MS Project, Excel VBA coding a plus.

Licenses, Certifications, and/or Registrations: CPA, Auditing, Six Sigma, CFE and/or Project Management certifications a plus.