City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Utility Financial Manager

Under minimal direction, responsible for the management and operations of a utility financial section which is responsible for one or more of the following functions: accounting, financial reporting, cash and debt management, rate setting and cost of service studies, budget/financial forecasting, CIS /billing support, payments, revenues, policy compliance, inventory accounting, financial management, purchasing, fleet management, and/or contract administration.

1. Plans, organizes, manages and controls the activities of at least one of the utility's financial sections.
2. Manages employees responsible for the following day-to-day activities: utility accounting and financial reporting, fixed asset management, materials management (including warehouse inventory processes at service centers and inventory contract management), accounts payable, revenue collection, revenue accounting, purchasing, contract compliance, policy compliance, performance measurement and reporting, cash and cash funds management, debt management, and/or fleet management.
3. Provides financial advice to the utility's executive team.
4. Manages development of standard operating procedures which document utility processes and ensures adequate internal controls are included in those procedures.
5. Oversees testing of internal controls to ensure adequate and ongoing implementation.
6. Prepares, reviews, and recommends rates and prices for the utility's services, ensures correct implementation of new prices, and conducts technical financial analysis to support recommendations
7. Manages the preparation and implementation of the utility’s O &M and/or CIP budgets and cost of service studies
8. Manages the implementation of City-wide policies and requirements affecting Utility activities and ensures compliance with regulatory, City-wide and other policy changes and review for continued relevance, usefulness and potential improvements regarding regulatory changes.
9. Manages the development of the Financial Forecast, which integrates various models used by the utility to estimate future revenue requirements, rates, and capital expenditures.
10. Prepares and/or oversees the preparation of components of the City's annual financial report (CAFR), Official statements, and models necessary for the implementation of the Utility programs in accordance with established ordinances and procedures.
11. Develops and/or oversees the preparation of complex spreadsheets and database models to calculate debt service requirements, equity financing ratios, cash reserve requirements, revenue bond debt refunding and to aid work quality management and process review and improvements, to assist in the management of the utility.
12. Coordinates process improvement initiatives and results implementation.
13. Provides expert accounting testimony in utility rate proceedings.
14. Analyzes employee and business needs and develops short and long range strategies, goals, and action plans to meet those needs.
15. Develops, prepares, reviews, and presents technical financial information before the City Council, governmental and regulatory agencies, boards, and commissions, and other groups.

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

Knowledge of local, state, and federal law, and city ordinances.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
Knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, and management.
Knowledge of financial forecasting methods.
Knowledge of utility financial and operational trends.
Skill in oral and written communications.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting applicable research data.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities
Ability to train others.
Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Finance, Accounting, or Economics, plus five (5) years experience in a field related to finance, two (2) years of which include management for a Utility or similarly regulated entity. 
A Master's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or a five (5) year Accounting Degree, or a CPA designation may substitute for two (2) years of the experience requirement.