Controller

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Controller is an integral member of the VGS team. This position leads the accounting operations of the company through team leadership and the oversight of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports; the maintenance and development of an adequate system of accounting records and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk; effectively communicating and enhancing the accuracy of the Company's financial results; and ensuring that reported results comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) standards. 

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION?

• Lead and inspire a team while playing a hands-on role with accounting staff.
• Regularly communicate financial results to stakeholders. Coordinate year-end financial audit of VGS with outside accounting firm, parent company, and shareholder. Present financial statements to the VGS Audit Committee.
• Responsible for technical accounting treatment and compliance with GAAP and FERC. 
• Responsible for the overall application administration of the financial information system. 
• Support the preparation of the quarterly tax provisions and has responsibility for related deliverables.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of financial results to the Parent Company using its reporting platform. Design, administer, and ensure compliance with the company’s internal control procedures.  Recommend changes as necessary to maintain integrity of financial and software systems while balancing operational efficiency.  Maintain compliance with 52-109 (Canadian SOX).
• Participate in VGS’s Gas Cost Risk Management Committee, which is responsible for executing the Company’s Derivative Policy for hedging of commodity and foreign exchange costs related to natural gas. Oversee mark-to-market accounting for all derivatives, including foreign exchange, commodity and interest rates.
• Participate in the Enterprise Risk Committee for the organization. 
• Responsibly for debt covenant compliance and support general Treasury responsibilities of the organization. 
• Assist plan administration for the 401(k), and executive compensation plans by coordinating with investment advisors, actuaries, auditors and employees to ensure plan compliance, accurate financial analysis, and funding of the plans. Lead the annual 401k audit with external auditors. 
• Support regulatory rate filings with internal regulatory personnel and financial analysts to ensure that required information is available, appropriately reflected in rate filings, and aligned with the budget. 
• Facilitate insurance coverage program to procure insurance effectively and ensure appropriate coverage for all areas of the business. 
• Design and implement efficiencies to better leverage data, report information, and support informed business decisions. 
• Lead multiple concurrent projects and activities – effectively prioritizing and allocating time and resources while regularly communicating status to stakeholders. Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to team members. Cultivates an environment where others can succeed. 
• Other duties as may be required or requested.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED SKILLS FOR THIS ROLE?

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, including how accounting pronouncements will impact the organization and how organizational strategic initiatives will impact financials, and able to resolve complex accounting and financial issues. 
• Clear and effective communicator, responsive listener, and efficient collaborator to build excellent relationships both internally and externally.  Able to represent company in negotiations for services.
• Able to translate and effectively communicate complex financial concepts to various audiences. 
• Able to flourish in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment that requires flexibility, constant prioritization, and project management skills to lead the implementation of solutions.
• Accountable for considerable monetary responsibility, complete confidentiality, and reporting with an extremely high degree of accuracy and integrity.  
• Able to clearly communicate expectations and hold self and others accountable for those expectations.  
• Inspiring developer of people. Champion of ideas to improve speed and effectiveness and to leverage technology. Role model customer focus in decision-making. 
• Excellent technology skills – spreadsheets, aptitude to learn financial system and to leverage technology solutions for communication, efficiency, and data integrity.

These skills are normally acquired with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minimum of six years of progressive corporate accounting and financial management experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This role is primarily a stationary office position requiring frequent operation of a computer and standard office equipment (approximately 67%–100% of the workday).
• The employee will occasionally need to move about the office to access files or equipment. 
• The role requires the ability to communicate and exchange information effectively. Close visual focus and the ability to adjust focus are necessary for computer work and reviewing documents.
• Office environment is open and desks offer sit/stand features.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – Statement

At VGS, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where everyone is welcomed, respected, and valued. We believe in creating an environment that encourages diverse viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds, contributing positively to our organization’s strength and adaptability. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply, even if every skill requirement does not match perfectly, because we believe in continuous improvement and support our employees in achieving goals and objectives.

ABOUT VGS

VGS is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas service and an expanding portfolio of heating and cooling options to our 56,000 customers in northwest Vermont.