The Natural Gas Settlement team, part of Financial & Contract Services, manages key financial tasks related to natural gas consumption across Southern Company's fleet. The gas settlement analysts ensure the accurate allocation of gas volumes and costs to each generating facility. The team settles commodity and hedging transactions with third parties and records journals for each Operating Company as well as Southern Company Services. The analysts collaborate closely with Gas Supply and Energy Trading and interface with a wide range of internal and external entities including various Plant Personnel, Accounting, Regulatory, Auditing, Technology, and SCS Treasury departments. As part of Commercial Operations – Financial and Contract Services, the position is primarily focused on gas settlement and will also gain exposure to broader Financial and Contract Services functions, including the Intercompany Interchange (IIC) contract, wholesale contracts, OATT settlements, and analysis of wholesale energy margins and system operations.
Primary Responsibilities
Validate and maintain data to support monthly settlement, OPCO close processes, analyses, and regulatory filings.
Identify discrepancies in operational processes and data with attention to detail.
Accurately perform calculations and allocations for unique gas contracts and
Complete monthly gas journals per established controls to ensure financial integrity.
Reconcile counterparty and pipeline invoices with the gas management system, making necessary adjustments and retaining documentation.
Manage settlement cycle of receipts and payments in Oracle Receivables, Oracle Payables, and General Ledger
Provide timely payment instructions and cash forecast information to SCS Treasury
Offer detailed analysis and timely responses to data requests from auditors, internal customers, and regulatory bodies.
Establish and sustain positive relationships with customers in commodity and transportation sectors, as well as internal clients to deliver exceptional customer service.
Learn and effectively utilize available technological resources, including the Attache Gas Management System develop an understanding of the operational drivers behind gas accounting results and assist in explaining impacts to internal stakeholders.
Attributes:
Demonstrates an interest in understanding the end‑to‑end natural gas fuel process, from scheduling through settlement.
Willing to learn system‑based transaction processing and gas accounting concepts, including volume and cost allocation methodologies.
Able to follow established procedures while developing the ability to identify and escalate data discrepancies or unusual trends.
Partners with team members to investigate variances in gas volumes, costs, or settlements and support resolution efforts.
Understands the importance of timely and accurate information to support financial close, settlement, and reporting activities.
Supports process improvement initiatives through documentation, testing, and participation in system or reporting enhancements.
Position Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
Preferred experience or exposure related to natural gas settlement, gas accounting, or energy markets.
Proven experience in collecting, analyzing, and summarizing large volumes of data.
Experience in Generation, Fuel, Finance, and/or Accounting is preferred.
Familiarity with accounting principles and Oracle ERP is desired.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Foundational understanding of the natural gas industry or a demonstrated ability to learn operational and financial concepts.
Proficiency in Excel, including advanced features.
Ability to collect and analyze detailed information effectively.
Demonstrates creative analysis and an innovative mindset.
Working knowledge of computer systems and Microsoft software applications.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively.
Exceptional organizational skills with the capability to manage multiple assignments.
Understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements.
Behavioral Attributes:
Must consistently demonstrate the behavior of Our Values – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
Must be a team player capable of multi-tasking.
Attention to detail and strong motivation for quality, accuracy, and timeliness
Maintains a strong customer focus, dedicated to meeting expectations and fostering effective relationships across the organization.
Upholds a positive attitude and shows flexibility in a changing environment, including embracing technological advancements.
This position will be based out of the Energy Center at the Colonnade in Birmingham, AL.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 18723
Job Category: Accounting & Auditing
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services