Responsible for the timely, accurate and consistent consolidated and separate company financial reporting for Peabody Energy Corporation (Peabody) and its subsidiaries. This includes both internal (management) and external reporting, including all SEC reporting. Responsible for ensuring that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Principal Accountabilities: 

• Manage the Peabody close, consolidation and reporting processes. This also includes working with IT, Corporate Accounting and Planning for the maintenance of the consolidation module and the related interaction of the module with SAP. 
• Review and distribute a summary of the monthly “flash” operating results, including variance explanations. 
• Oversee the preparation of the monthly management package. Ensure the results of operations are thoroughly and accurately reported and described. 
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Work with Corporate Accounting and others on the application of accounting rules as needed. 
• Manage the preparation of all financial statements for quarterly earnings releases. In addition, prepare certain supporting analyses/schedules in support of the quarterly earnings release. 
• Manage the preparation, review and certification processes, and electronic filing of documents (Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, registration statements, etc.) required to be filed with the SEC. Stay current on SEC pronouncements and disclosure requirements and implement changes in a timely and effective manner. Assist with the writing of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition. Also responsible for writing some new financial disclosures for the Company. 
• Manage the preparation of the annual financial statements for various legal entities (used by management, lenders, lessors and other interested parties). Assist external auditors to ensure timely completion of required annual audits, including Peabody’s financial statements and separate company audits. 
• Participate in the control and management of the Peabody general ledger and financial reporting systems, including the chart of account structure (along with Asst Controllers). Work closely with the Financial Planning group to ensure budgeted amounts are accurately reflected in all budget versus actual reporting and to ensure the budgets appropriately reflect the actual accounting structure, roll-up and methodologies and that any changes to structure or significant events are timely communicated to the Planning group. 
• Review input of hedges and/or designation of hedges in Peabody’s derivatives tracking system for the corporate hedge program (diesel fuel, etc.). Review monthly journal entries reflecting mark-to-market activity and hedge ineffectiveness. 
• Coach and develop the financial reporting managers on a regular basis and assist with management of indirect reports. 
• Participate in various special projects.

Job Requirements:

• 10+ years of accounting/auditing experience 
• Accounting BS or equivalent and successful completion of the CPA exam 
• Effective oral communication skills, including the ability to convey ideas on complex accounting issues and to make formal and informal presentations to all levels of management, communicate with outside parties, effectively conduct meetings and use active listening skills. 
• Written communications skills, including the ability to prepare concise and coherent financial narratives (for MD&A, footnotes, etc.), position papers on technical issues and descriptions of complex transactions. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, including the ability to develop cooperation and work collaboratively toward appropriate solutions. 
• Ability to identify problem/risk areas in financial reporting and related areas; active owner of problem/risk areas; developer of solutions. 
• Extensive financial reporting knowledge and experience, including the principles of consolidation and financial statement preparation/review. 
• Working understanding of and practical experience in applying generally accepted accounting principles. 
• Knowledge of SEC rules and regulations and practical SEC reporting experience. 
• Adept at utilizing computers including personal computers, spreadsheet software and presentation software. Knowledge of general ledger and financial reporting systems (in particular, SAP). 
• Ability to organize and prepare materials for use in presentations. 
• Ability to conduct performance coaching and develop staff members on a regular basis. 
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize various projects that may be in process simultaneously.