Directed team of 14 professionals with 2 direct reports, overseeing transaction settlements of $14.5B+ in energy sector, encompassing energy generation (coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar), energy storage, capacity, and energy consumption. Oversaw SOX control compliance and addressed regulatory inquiries from 10 states and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Served as primary department liaison to external auditors. Mentor for AEP Leadership program.• Implemented new software system, achieved process improvement objectives, and introduced automation, reducing workload and allowing 70% natural attrition.• Led selection and business unit side of $6M settlement system implementation within budget, integrating 5 interfaces for market and operational data seamlessly with accounting ERP system. System streamlined processes, reducing required SOX controls from 35 to 15, refocusing staff.• Managed team, processes, and controls, achieving well-controlled internal audit assessments for 8 processes within department.

Led 20 professionals, with 3 direct reports, overseeing 6-day general ledger close and FERC quarterly and annual reporting for AEP's 5 regulated eastern utility companies, with $42B in assets and $10B in revenue. Advocated for, and fostered cultural initiatives dedicated to, nurturing talent development; mentor for AEP targeted development program. Primary external auditors’ department liaison.• Led process enhancements and operational efficiencies, including guiding team from 7-day closing to 6-day close and consistently meeting closing deadlines.• Spearheaded development and execution of Sarbanes-Oxley controls and certifications, leading to 5 well-controlled internal audits through management of team, processes, and controls.• Created footnotes for SEC 10Qs / 10Ks and FERC filings and reviewed and approved disclosures as Subject Matter Expert on elements.

Collaborated within 8-member team with 4 direct reports to strategize, propose, and oversee technical accounting policies and practices across all AEP Companies. Orchestrated ongoing refinement of footnote disclosures for all 10-Q and 10-K SEC filings. Managed and documented accounting conclusions related to regulated and non-regulated accounting issues.• Reviewed and approved accounting methodologies for new business initiatives and strategic business activities, allowing business to meet objectives.• Executed range of asset and company acquisitions and divestitures while implementing FASB guidance issued during same period, achieving corporate goals.• Provided comprehensive oversight, guidance, and recommendations on accounting risk for regulated and deregulated companies, covering diverse areas, including derivatives, consolidation, leases, asset impairment, and review of trading contracts to balance accounting optimization and risk objective.

Over the span of five years, I held two different roles encompassing controllership responsibilities, where I meticulously managed the financial close process, implemented robust controls, and conducted in-depth analysis of balance sheets, income statements, and financial reporting across multiple entities.• In my capacity overseeing Transmissison, I successfully managed the financial aspects of seven wholly owned entities and various joint ventures. • Within the realm of Investment Accounting, I navigated the financial intricacies of two wind farm companies and the trading arm of AEP.

Over a span of 9 years, four progressively challenging roles within the Accounting Policy department, involving comprehensive scrutiny and skillful incorporation of FASB and SEC directives. This encompasses transaction assessments related to structured financings, acquisitions, disposals, lease transactions, derivatives, variable interest entities, and more.