Closes: July 27, 2026
Job Description
The Director of Accounting is a highly visible leadership role responsible for advancing Avista’s financial reporting excellence, accounting strategy, and internal control environment. Reporting directly to the Vice President & Controller, this position serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a key partner across the organization on accounting policy, internal controls, complex transactions, and new business initiatives. The Director leads and develops a talented accounting team, promotes a collaborative and learning-focused culture, and helps ensure Avista continues to deliver accurate, timely, and decision-useful financial information in support of the company’s long-term success.
- Lead Avista’s accounting strategy by anticipating the impact of changing business priorities, regulatory developments, and industry trends, while aligning accounting policies with utility industry best practices.
- Establish and maintain corporate accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls that support accurate reporting, strong governance, and compliance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee internal and external financial reporting, ensuring financial statements and related updates are timely, accurate, complete, and meaningful for senior leadership, auditors, regulators, and other
- Serve as a technical accounting resource for complex transactions, special projects, new standards, and business initiatives, providing practical guidance and well-supported conclusions.
- Analyze financial results to identify key business issues, enterprise risks, trends, and opportunities, and communicate insights that support informed decision-making and operational performance.
- Build strong relationships with consultants, auditors, industry committees, attorneys and peers to stay current on emerging issues, leading practices, and developments affecting utility accounting and reporting.
- Review financial results for Avista’s utility and subsidiary operations, helping ensure accurate reporting and clear communication of significant drivers and variances.
- Coordinate effectively with independent auditors and internal partners to support efficient quarterly reviews, year-end audits, and related reporting processes.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing accounting team through thoughtful hiring, performance management, employee engagement, continuous learning, and professional
- Partner with functional leaders across the company to align accounting priorities with enterprise strategy, business objectives, and cross-functional initiatives.
- Champion continuous improvement by strengthening systems, processes, and service delivery to meet the needs of internal and external customers.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment where team members feel supported, engaged, and empowered to contribute.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting is required.
- Master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration or related field is preferred.
- 10+ years of relevant professional accounting experience in either public accounting or the utility industry is required.
- CPA is required.
- Experience in a regulated utility environment is highly desirable.
- Must possess expert knowledge and understanding of sound accounting and internal control procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, SEC reporting and accounting regulations and financial reporting requirements and their application to business issues.
- Demonstrated experience using a variety of computer programs including accounting systems and MS Excel to perform complex financial analysis
- Demonstrated financial leadership experience (minimum 5+ years), including a successful track record of managing and mentoring finance staff.
- Exceptional communication skills with ability to present analysis and findings in both verbal and written formats to all levels of management.
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Hiring Range: $168,188 to $224,531
Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, WA Mission Campus at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.
This position requires an in-person presence to support team and on-site responsibilities.
To Apply
We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.
Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".
Total Rewards
At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:
- Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
- Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
- Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
- Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
- Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
- Education and development support including tuition assistance
- Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
- Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)
To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/ (https://avistabenefits.com/).
We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.
In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $168,188 to $280,873. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
Pre-employment screening requirements
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.
Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters). Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) if you would like assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
