Business Officer - Western Carolina Power - 000200

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public university in North Carolina is seeking a Business Officer to manage the university-owned electric utility, responsible for all business and financial activities, ensuring billing accuracy and compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and strong analytical skills. This permanent full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition waivers for employees

Training and development programs

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and regulatory compliance standards.
• Experience with Advanced Metering Infrastructure and financial systems integration.
• Ability to supervise staff and provide training in financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage all business and financial activities of WCP.
• Ensure accuracy in utility billing and customer accounts.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management and Energy & Utilities leadership.

Skills

Understanding of federal and state fiscal regulations

Proficiency with utility billing software

Advanced analytical skills

Excellent communication and customer service

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related area

Tools

Microsoft Excel

LOGICS

Job description

Overview

Business Officer - Western Carolina Power - 000200
Western Carolina University

Department: Facilities Management

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.

Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site at the Cullowhee, NC campus. This role serves as the primary business and operations resource for Western Carolina Power (WCP), the university-owned electric utility that supplies the Western Carolina University campus and approximately 3,900 community customers. The role is responsible for managing all business and financial activities of WCP, including billing, receivables, collections, reconciliation, purchasing, inventory management, and financial reporting, in accordance with University, State, and Federal standards. It guarantees accuracy and accountability in utility billing and customer accounts through the LOGICS system, integration with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and cooperation with field operations. This position is vital in ensuring compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and the regulations set by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other governing agencies. Additionally, the role ensures operational continuity by overseeing administrative staff, collaborating with Facilities Management and Energy & Utilities leadership, and serving as the primary point of contact for WCP customers on business-related issues. By integrating fiscal management, customer service, compliance, and operational coordination, the position directly supports WCP’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric service to assist Western Carolina University’s academic and community objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The WCP Business Officer must have a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and university fiscal regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply them accurately in the context of a university-owned public electric utility. The position requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, utility rate structures, and regulatory compliance standards established by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other governing entities.

Proficiency with utility billing software such as LOGICS, as well as the ability to analyze and reconcile complex billing data, is essential. The role requires advanced analytical skills to identify errors, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Experience working with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), meter data management, and integration with financial systems is critical to maintaining billing accuracy and operational efficiency.

The position requires excellent communication and customer service skills to resolve account issues, explain billing information, and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and university partners. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for managing multiple accounts, reconciliations, and reporting deadlines.

The Business Officer must also demonstrate the ability to supervise staff, delegate tasks effectively, and provide training in billing, financial processes, and customer service functions. A solid understanding of utility operations, terminology, and coordination with field crews is necessary to ensure billing accuracy and support service reliability. The role also requires adaptability, professional judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to support WCP’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective services.

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in Microsoft Excel for utility data analysis and financial reporting, as well as experience using LOGIC or similar billing systems. Previous work in an electric utility environment—such as a municipal, EMC, or university-owned system—with knowledge of rate structures, metering practices, and AMI data management is highly desirable. Experience with Banner or comparable ERP systems, along with familiarity with state utility reporting requirements, audit standards, and financial compliance, is preferred. Excellent interpersonal and supervisory abilities, with the capacity to lead staff and collaborate across technical, financial, and administrative teams, will set the candidate apart.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in Microsoft Excel for utility data analysis and financial reporting, as well as experience using LOGIC or similar billing systems.
• Prior work in an electric utility environment, such as a municipal, EMC, or university-owned system, with knowledge of rate structures, metering practices, and AMI data management is highly desirable.
• Experience with Banner or comparable ERP systems, as well as familiarity with state utility reporting requirements, audit standards, and financial compliance, is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to guide staff and work effectively across technical, economic, and administrative teams, will make the candidate stand out.

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact Reid Conway at [e-mail]

AA/EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: Please reference the posting number 31819 in your materials.