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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Austin Water Budget and Finance Manager


FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 15840 Salary Grade: AI3
Approved: Last Revised: January 30, 2019


Purpose:
 

Under minimal direction, responsible for the management and operation of multiple utility financial divisions that are responsible for the following functions: operating and capital budget development, revenue and financial forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, cash and debt management, rate setting and cost of service studies, regulatory rate filings and compliance, accounts payable, inventory accounting, and financial management.  

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Plans, organizes, directs, and controls the activities of multiple utility financial divisions 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, accounts payable, and fixed asset inventory management.
  2. Provides financial advice to the utility's executive team. Develops short- and long-range financial strategies, goals, and action plans.
  3. Prepares, reviews, and recommends rates and fees for the utility's services. Conducts cost of service rate study and model updates to develop customer class rate proposals. Utilizes industry standard cost of service principles and methodologies for cost allocation and rate design. Conducts technical financial analysis to support recommendations on rates.
  4. Directs the development of the Financial Forecast, which integrates various models used by the utility to estimate future revenue requirements, rates, and capital expenditures.
  5. Reviews processes and procedures regarding regulatory rate compliance. Manages Public Utility Commission (PUC) rate filings with attorney and consultant support. Provides expert cost of service, rate design, and accounting testimony in utility rate proceedings.
  6. Analyzes employee and business needs and develop short- and long-range strategies, goals, and action plans to meet those needs.
  7. Investigates and provides financial information to City Council, citizens, management, and staff.
  8. Develops, prepares, reviews, and presents technical financial information in oral and written communication before the City Council, governmental and regulatory agencies, boards, and commissions.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal law and City ordinances.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  • Knowledge of operating and capital budgeting methods and systems.
  • Knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, and management.
  • Knowledge of financial forecasting methods.
  • Knowledge of cost of service, allocation methodologies, and rate design.
  • Knowledge of utility financial and operational trends.
  • Knowledge of PUC rate regulations and filings.
  • 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related Finance, Accounting, or Economics, plus seven (7) years of experience in a finance-related field, including four (4) years of which in management capacity.
  • Experience must include one (1) year of accounting.
  • Up to twelve (12) hours of accounting coursework may substitute for accounting experience.
  • Graduation with a Master's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, a five (5) year Accounting Degree, or a CPA designation may substitute for two (2) years of the experience requirement.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
  None.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.