Manager, Accounting Policy and Research

At Sempra, we tackle the biggest energy challenges that face our industry. Our high-performing team leverages the full capabilities of our organization to serve 40 million consumers across North America. By collaborating and challenging one another across multiple disciplines, we inspire our best work, ideas and innovation. From increasing liquified natural gas (LNG) capacities to reducing carbon emissions to helping people prepare for the realities of climate change, we are committed to building a better energy future for all. 

Leads a team responsible for researching and evaluating complex accounting matters, advising on critical transactions, developing accounting policies, and implementing new accounting standards. Provides technical accounting leadership, develops talent, and partners with stakeholders across the organization to drive consistent application of accounting guidance and well-supported accounting conclusions. Serves as a key leader within the Company's Technical Accounting Center of Excellence, providing expertise and strategic guidance on complex accounting matters, significant transactions, accounting policy initiatives, and the implementation of new accounting standards. Leads the evaluation and resolution of technical accounting issues, partners with Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Legal, and business stakeholders to support informed decision-making, and ensures the consistency and integrity of the Company's accounting practices. Drives organizational effectiveness through strong people leadership, talent development, and disciplined execution of high-impact accounting initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and develops a high-performing technical accounting team by coaching talent, managing priorities and project execution, and fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Partners with Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Legal, business stakeholders, and external auditors to resolve complex accounting matters, support financial reporting activities, and ensure consistent application of accounting policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provides technical accounting leadership by analyzing complex and non-routine transactions, researching and applying U.S. GAAP, and documenting accounting conclusions through well-supported technical accounting memoranda and analyses.
• Manages a team responsible for accounting policy and research activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Interprets the impact of emerging GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and other accounting guidance for all lines of business.
• Evaluates proposed transaction structures and related accounting implications, coordinating with Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Legal, and business stakeholders to identify issues and support well-informed decisions.
• Leads engagement with external auditors on complex topics to align proposed accounting treatment.
• Oversees the research, analysis, and documentation of complex accounting matters, including the preparation and review of technical accounting memoranda and supporting analyses, to ensure conclusions are clear, well supported, and compliant with applicable requirements.
• Facilitates communication and collaboration between finance teams and other departments to ensure consistent application of accounting policies across the organization.
• Develops strategies to address compliance risks proactively and improve governance.
• Prepares reports for senior management on policy initiatives and compliance performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Typically requires a 4 year degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Required:

• Typically requires 8 years of progressive accounting experience.

Preferred:

• Big Four Accounting Advisory, Transaction Advisory, Professional Practice, National Office, or similar technical accounting experience.
• Experience supporting complex transactions and accounting consultations.
• Previous people leadership or demonstrated leadership of teams and cross-functional initiatives.

Required:

• Ability to lead and develop technical accounting professionals implementing accounting policy and research.
• Ability to influence peers, stakeholders, and leaders on accounting interpretations and risks.
• Ability to translate regulatory changes into operational policy updates.
• Knowledge of accounting policy and research practices at a functional level.
• Knowledge of governance models for accounting policy approval and maintenance.
• Skill in resolving complex accounting judgment disputes.

Preferred:

• Strong technical accounting and financial reporting knowledge.
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and stakeholder-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, workloads, and project execution.
• Strong communication, relationship management, and influencing skills with business partners and internal stakeholders.

Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Required:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.