Director, Finance

MEMPHIS LIGHT GAS & WATER; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

MEMPHIS LIGHT, GAS & WATER (MLGW) seeks a Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership over financial operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and regulatory compliance. The role oversees the general ledger, Payroll, and Treasury Management, while guiding internal controls and financial planning to support organizational goals.

The position directs budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, with emphasis on governance, policy development, and effective resource allocation across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or related field required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in Finance or related roles in the utility sector including four (4) years of management experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Must successfully complete NIMS Training within one year of entering job.
• Office presence and normal business conditions described in the job details.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present annual business plans aligned with organizational strategy, including revenue targets, KPIs, budget and headcount recommendations.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all financial reporting functions.
• Direct rate and revenue management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial resource allocation.
• Oversee budget development, grant monitoring, and comprehensive financial reporting.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

GAAP

Internal controls

Team leadership

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or related field

Job description

MLGW is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. No information obtained in this application is intended to be used for such discrimination.

JOB PURPOSE

The Director of Finance provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s financial operations, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance with all accounting and reporting functions. This position leads the maintenance of the general ledger and oversees Payroll; Payments and Banking; General Accounting; Budget, Grants, and Financial Planning; Rates and Analytics; Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Treasury Management. This role ensures strong internal controls, effective resource management, and alignment of financial strategies with organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and present annual business plans aligned with organizational strategy, including revenue targets, KPIs, budget and headcount recommendations, and project timelines integrated across departments.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all financial reporting functions, managing core financial management and control processes.
• Direct rate and revenue management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial resource allocation to ensure fiscal sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee budget development, grant monitoring, and comprehensive financial reporting to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
• Lead the development, implementation, and governance of financial systems, ensuring compliance with group accounting standards, statutory requirements, GAAP, and internal controls.
• Establish and maintain financial policies, procedures, and protocols to promote regulatory compliance and sound financial practices.
• Deliver authoritative financial and technical recommendations to senior leadership, influencing short- and long-term business decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure departmental compliance with external regulations, voluntary codes, and internal policies to mitigate risk and protect organizational integrity.
• Assess departmental capabilities, identify skill gaps, and implement formal development frameworks to strengthen performance and succession planning.
• Coach and mentor staff to enhance leadership capacity and support talent development.
• Set clear performance objectives, monitor results, hold team members accountable, and implement corrective actions to achieve annual business goals.
• Perform other duties as directed.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

A valid driver's license from state of residence is required.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of seven (7) years of professional related experience in Finance or related roles within the utility sector including four (4) years of management experience. Experience in interpreting strategy and policy to set and deliver objectives within medium to long time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Must successfully complete NIMS Training within one year of entering job. Works in the office under good conditions. Physical Demands: Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis; and some dexterity in operating office equipment. The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities.

THIS LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY.