Senior Project Accountant

BrightSource Energy, Inc. designs, develops and sells solar thermal power systems that deliver reliable, clean energy to utilities and industrial companies. The BrightSource Energy team blends internationally-renowned solar thermal technical experience with world-class finance and project development capabilities.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Accountant to join our team.

Position Overview:

The Senior Project Accountant will report to the Project Accounting Manager of BrightSource Energy. The Senior Project Accountant is responsible for a full range of financial and project analysis including journal entries, account reconciliations, and monthly and quarterly reporting schedules and analysis.

This position will also partner with all levels of the organization on project costs and reporting (e.g. Corporate Finance, Project Finance, Project Development, other Project Accounting teams and senior management). The Senior Project Accountant will also support the creation and maintenance of accounting/project policies and procedures. Finally, this person will be responsible for various other projects as assigned in order to ensure that the books are closed timely and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Responsibilities:

Perform month-end close of project sub-ledgers:

• Gain a thorough understanding of Oracle project sub-ledger and how it accommodates the needs of the business
• Review of project costs, project capitalized costs and accruals
• Reconcile sub-ledger to G/L
• Prepare/review project-related journal entries
• Analyze and book related accruals and reserves
• Monitor and analyze project revenues and costs, prepare and book revenue deferrals, cost adjustments, liquidated damages (if applicable), etc.
• Prepare/review project-related account reconciliations
• Assist in preparation for the monthly controller's meetings

Oversee project accounting, including:

• Cost accruals and processes, to ensure complete and accurate cost accumulation
• Coordination with the project managers, project controls, project development team and financial reporting teams, as needed to ensure project costs and revenues are properly accounted
• Monitor project billings, invoice accruals, credit memos, Project A/R aging, etc.
• Prepare project-related SOX documents and testing
• Understand individual projects and potential issues, to ensure proper accounting, liaise with project management as needed
• Provide accounting support and reporting to the project management, as needed
• Prepare project schedules and analysis for the auditors, assist in internal and external audit
• Prepare and conduct quarterly project review meetings, ensure proper follow up, documentation and sign offs
• Help establishing/updating project accounting policies and procedures
• Maintains reconciled project schedules
• Provide help as needed on various ad hoc projects and initiatives

Other:

• Minimal travel to locations as required
• May support other executives as needed
• Performs other duties as may be determined from time to time

Qualifications:

Exhibit Appropriate Professional Standards:

• Demonstrates proactive enthusiasm for solving problems and adding value to the company
• Maintains a current level of professional knowledge
• Focuses on personal growth and development by actively seeking feedback and responding with action
• Communicates openly and honestly, does not engage in gossip
• Models professional behaviors of conduct and decorum
• Is a strong team player and willing to assist others when necessary and appropriate

Qualifications:

• BS in Accounting or Finance or similar experience
• Knowledge of Oracle (including Project Accounting Module) or similar ERP system is preferred.
• 5+ experience and understanding of the renewable or independent power industries strongly preferred
• Big 4 public accounting firm, required
• CPA a plus

Compensation: We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and the unique opportunity to join a dynamic start-up company working with great people and state of the art capabilities required to provision large scale and renewable solar power.

BrightSource Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We extend equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, handicap or national origin.