Principal Financial Analyst

American Water Works Association; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Water Works Association is seeking a qualified financial analyst to conduct complex organizational financial projections, rate studies, and long-range planning for water and sewer operations. You will develop, maintain, and analyze financial models, forecast budgets, and prepare regulatory reports for internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least four years of auditing or financial analysis experience, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, statistics, economics, business or public administration, or closely related field.
• Four years of auditing or financial analysis experience, preferably for a public agency.

Responsibilities

• Conducts complex financial, operational, organizational, and statistical analyses, including rate studies, cost allocations, nexus studies, feasibility studies, revenue requirement analyses, and long-range financial planning; evaluates internal controls, processes, and policy and recommends improvements; monitors fiscal compliance for bond indentures, contracts, agreements, District policies, labor agreements, and applicable financial regulations; prepares and submits required financial and regulatory reports to governmental agencies and other oversight organizations;
• Develops, maintains, and analyzes financial, rate, budget, and data models; assesses rate adequacy and funding requirements; performs cost-benefit analyses and capital funding evaluations; develops rate recommendations consistent with District budgets and objectives;
• Analyzes data for trends, patterns, and anomalies; collects, validates, and integrates data from multiple sources; prepares reports, dashboards, charts, graphs, and other decision-support tools; develops standardized and repeatable methodologies for data collection, automation, analysis, and reporting;
• Participates in the development, administration, and monitoring of the District’s operating and capital budgets; analyzes revenues and expenditures; recommends budget adjustments and funding strategies; assists with the planning and coordination of budgeting, collections, and financing activities;
• Prepares and submits Board, committee, executive, regulatory, technical reports, policy documents, presentations, and other documentation; presents findings and recommendations to internal staff, Board, outside agencies, and other stakeholders; provides technical and administrative project support to the CFO/Director of Finance;

Skills

Financial analysis

Data extraction

Communication

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

ODBC

SSRS

SQL Query Analyzer

MS Access

Job description

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. Candidates should submit their materials no later than September 27, 2026 to ensure consideration. However, interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process and this opening may close at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, conducts a variety of organizational financial projections, studies, and rate finance and rate studies and projections, including some confidential labor relations information; performs financial and rate analysis, including water & sewer rates; makes recommendations for action and assists in developing policies & procedures; performs related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This confidential, single incumbent position is characterized by the performance of complex organizational financial analysis; identification and utilization of data sources; exercising independent judgment; knowledge of relevant regulations, laws, and guidelines, and implementation thereof.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

This position reports to the CFO/Director of Finance. It does not supervise any staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts complex financial, operational, organizational, and statistical analyses, including rate studies, cost allocations, nexus studies, feasibility studies, revenue requirement analyses, and long-range financial planning; evaluates internal controls, processes, and policy and recommends improvements; monitors fiscal compliance for bond indentures, contracts, agreements, District policies, labor agreements, and applicable financial regulations; prepares and submits required financial and regulatory reports to governmental agencies and other oversight organizations;
• Develops, maintains, and analyzes financial, rate, budget, and data models; assesses rate adequacy and funding requirements; performs cost-benefit analyses and capital funding evaluations; develops rate recommendations consistent with District budgets and objectives;
• Analyzes data for trends, patterns, and anomalies; collects, validates, and integrates data from multiple sources; prepares reports, dashboards, charts, graphs, and other decision-support tools; develops standardized and repeatable methodologies for data collection, automation, analysis, and reporting;
• Participates in the development, administration, and monitoring of the District’s operating and capital budgets; analyzes revenues and expenditures; recommends budget adjustments and funding strategies; assists with the planning and coordination of budgeting, collections, and financing activities;
• Prepares and submits Board, committee, executive, regulatory, technical reports, policy documents, presentations, and other documentation; presents findings and recommendations to internal staff, Board, outside agencies, and other stakeholders; provides technical and administrative project support to the CFO/Director of Finance;
• Operates copiers, office equipment, and computer software & programs required for the work;
• Performs duties in a timely and professional manner and works well with others or in a team setting; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships;
• Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities; may be called upon to respond to emergency operations as a disaster service worker and support Emergency Operations Center activities;
• Observes safe work practices and safety methods; performs other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Experience performing utility rate studies and making recommendations on rates and rate structures;
• Ability to accurately review & analyze detailed information, forecasting complex financial situations;
• Experience preparing and submitting financial regulatory reports;
• Experience in public speaking, preferably to upper management, boards, or elected officials;
• Ability to identify and initiate projects within scope of responsibility; ability to meet deadlines without direct oversight.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures, and techniques of administrative & organizational financial analysis; professional rate analysis and rate setting standards;
• Principles and practices of statistical and historical research;
• Principles of budget development and budgetary controls;
• Mathematical and statistical computations;
• Public administration principles and practices; principles of cost accounting practices;
• Principles, practices, and regulations related to work, including Federal, State, & local laws;
• Relevant occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines; safe work methods and safety practices relevant to office work;
• Business data processing principles and computer user applications related to fiscal management;

Ability to:

• Analyze technical, administrative, and operational problems, evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions;
• Research and prepare clear and concise financial reports;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; maintain accurate records and files;
• Extract information from large databases using data mining tools such as: ODBC, SSRS, SQL Query Analyzer, MS Access, etc.;
• Make accurate financial calculations and develop long-range financial strategies;
• Represent the District in a variety of meetings;
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local regulations;
• Operate a computer proficiently and utilize a variety of software and database applications;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work.

Education & Experience

Any combination of education or experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, statistics, economics, business or public administration, or a closely related field; and four years of auditing or financial analysis experience, including advising management, preferably for a public agency.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements

• An active Certified Management Accountant certification, or Chartered Financial Analyst certification, is desirable.