Rate Analyst

City of San Antonio; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Antonio is seeking an experienced finance professional to oversee regulatory oversight of municipality-owned and franchise utilities. The role involves researching and reporting on contract compliance, public utility rates, and other utility matters for the Public Utilities Supervisor.

You will analyze rate design and cost of service, develop financial models, review budgets, and assist in contract negotiations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of utility rate-making methods (cost of service and rate design).
• Experience with variance analysis.
• Ability to analyze operating and construction budgets.
• Ability to analyze financial plans.
• Ability to operate a computer and basic office equipment.
• Ability to create and use spreadsheets and graphical presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to interact with peers, supervisors and upper management.

Responsibilities

• Review rate studies for recommendations to City Manager and City Council for setting rates.
• Analyze cost of service and allocation of costs in rate development.
• Conduct special studies related to utility issues (revenues, financial plans, fuel forecasts, generation plans).
• Review and analyze utility cash flow and financing plans presented by utilities.
• Develop rate filing requirements and recommendations for rate setting standards.
• Develop revenue estimates from utility sources.
• Review and adjust budgets to align with City policy and conditions.
• Review state legislation and Utility Commission rules and assess impact.
• Review operating and construction budgets of municipal utilities.
• Develop complex financial models and cost allocations for rate development.
• Assist in utility contract negotiations and monitor contracts for compliance.
• Review utility master plans and related projects.
• Review stormwater budgets and capital projects.
• Review capital projects, rates, and special requests.
• Prepare forecast data and amendments.
• Maintain and reconcile monthly financial records and reports.

Skills

Knowledge of rate-making methods

Variance analysis

Budget analysis

Financial planning analysis

Spreadsheet & presentation tools

Effective communication

Interpersonal with management

Physical requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree desirable

Three years’ experience in Finance/Utilities/Contract Review

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under general direction, is responsible for administrative and professional work involving the regulatory oversight of municipality owned and franchise utilities. Conducts research analysis and prepares reports on matters pertaining to contract compliance, public utility rates, and other utility issues for the Public Utilities Supervisor. Assists in the negotiation of agreements and resolution of utility matters. Determines proper and reasonable service costs and rates; reviews electric, gas, water, wastewater and stormwater municipal utilities for conformity to rate and service regulations. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment. Exercises functional supervision over assigned staff.

Work Location

City Tower - 100 W Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

• Reviews and assists in the development of rate studies for recommendations to the City Manager and City Council for the proper setting of electric, gas, water and sewer rates.
• Analyzes cost of service studies and proper allocation of costs used in the development of rates for regulated utilities.
• Conducts various special studies relating to utility issues (including analysis or revenues, financial plan updates, fuel price forecast, generating plans, etc.)
• Reviews and analyzes utility cash flow and financing plans as presented by utilities.
• Develops rate filing requirements and recommendations for rate setting standards for the approval of City Manager and Council.
• Develops estimates of revenues to be generated from utility sources.
• Reviews and adjusts the approved budget to ensure that the budgets reflect reasonable funding levels considering City policy and general economic conditions.
• Reviews State legislation and Utility Commission rules and makes recommendations to the Public Utilities Supervisor and executive management as to the economic impact to the City.
• Conducts reviews of operating and construction budgets of municipality owned utilities.
• Develops complex financial models and proper allocation of costs used in the development of rates for regulated utilities.
• Assists Public Utilities Supervisor with utility contract negotiations and monitors contracts for compliance.
• Reviews utility master plans.
• Reviews Stormwater related expense budgets and capital projects.
• Review capital projects, rates, and special requests.
• Prepares forecast data and make amendments.
• Maintains and reconciles monthly reports, invoices, statements, and other records of financial transactions.
• Determines that all transactions are properly supported, are in accordance with pertinent regulations, and are classified and recorded according to acceptable accounting standards.
• Reviews monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue reports.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
• Reviews and analyzes City-owned utility extension policies.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. A Master's Degree is highly desirable.
• Three (3) years' experience in Finance, Accounting, Utilities or Contract Review.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Experience with variance analysis, operating and constructing budgets and analyzing financial plans
• Experience with utility rate-making methods to include cost of service and rate design

Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Knowledge of utility rate-making methods, including cost of service and rate design.
• Knowledge of variance analysis.
• Ability to analyze both operating and construction budgets.
• Ability to analyze financial plans.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to create and use computer spreadsheets and graphical presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to interact with peers, supervisors and upper-level management.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.