City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Director, Austin Water Financial Services

Under nominal direction of the Director of Austin Water (AW), this position executes as the Chief Financial Officer for Austin Water. This position has the fiduciary responsibility for administering all financial operations and proceedings for Austin Water, including financial management, budget, and accounting, and supply chain management divisions.

1. Provides overall leadership and managerial oversight of financial functions, including financial planning, operating and capital budget development, revenue and financial forecasts, utility accounting, cost of service rates, debt and cash management, rate regulatory requirements, financial reporting, procurement, warehouse and inventory management, and fleet management.
2. Develops and monitors the utility’s operating and capital budgets and ensures action on any budget deviations or concerns.
3. Develops and implements retail and wholesale water rates and fees, utilizing industry standard cost of service principles and methodologies for cost allocation and rate design, and submits appropriate rate filings with the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
4. Develops monthly financial reports and communicates performance results for review by City Council, Commission, City management, Austin Water management, and stakeholders. Ensures all reporting requirements are completed in a timely manner.
5. Implements and monitors policies and procedures to ensure financial transactions originating in Austin Water are completed in a timely manner and appropriately. Establishes and maintains internal controls, which provide assurance that City funds are safeguarded, handled appropriately, and are used efficiently.
6. Ensures development and implementation of strategies and plans that meet customer needs, and continuously improves performance levels for Financial Management, Budget and Accounting, , and Supply Chain Management business units.
7. Represents Austin Water’s interests in financial policy, budget, rates, debt management, , and supply chain issues at meetings with governmental/regulatory agencies, City Council, boards and commissions, City management, rating agencies, and stakeholders.
8. Advises the Director and other executives on financial, budget, supply chain issues, and ensures functions are operating effectively and with proper internal controls to achieve the strategic initiatives and goals.
9. Monitors water industry trends in financial services and implements best practices.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory responsibilities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting the utility.
• Knowledge of water municipal accounting, budgeting, financial control and forecasting methods, cost of service and rate development, supply chain, and customer service.
• Knowledge of all facets of the water industry with a focus on finance, accounting, supply chain, and customer service.
• Knowledge of water industry principles and methodologies for cost of service, cost allocation, and rate design.
• Knowledge of strategic business planning, reengineering, and organizational change strategies.
• Knowledge of municipal investments and investment optimization strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of municipal water bonds: general obligation, certificates of obligation, and revenue.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in fiscal planning, developing and preparing budgets, and managing revenues and expenses.
• Skill in managing and allocating resources to execute operational and business plans.
• Skill in negotiations and conflict resolution
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain communication and effective working relationships with City personnel, City Council, the media, and the public.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to Public or Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.