Senior Financial Analyst

Irvine Ranch Water District; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A water management agency in California seeks a Finance Analyst to provide analytical support and assist in budget preparation. This full-time in-office role demands a bachelor's degree in finance and three years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial modeling. Join a collaborative team to enhance financial efficiency and productivity.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in a finance analytical function.
• Experience in financial modeling and presenting complex data.
• Proficiency with Oracle financial systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning and analytical support for financial stability.
• Assist in preparing the annual operating budget.
• Develop financial reports and models as requested.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial modeling

Budgeting

Accounting principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Oracle financial systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on October 22, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

Provides planning and analytical support to ensure the Districts' financial and rate stability. Provides analytical support with an emphasis in financial modeling and guidance to other departments and provides recommendations to enhance efficiency and productivity. The position requires independent judgment and interpretation of policy, rules and regulations.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon Headquarters full-time, without the option for remote work.

Participates in the preparation of the annual operating budget. Prepares the calendar and presentation for kickoff meeting. Coordinates assists and monitors department budget input, including consolidating and providing analysis of results.

Assists in the process for generating rates and prepares presentations and written communication for rate recommendations to the necessary Committees and the Board of Directors.

Assists in the preparation of the Proposition 218 notices and builds the associated mailing list. Works with consultant to ensure notices are mailed on a timely basis. Coordinates with IT on updating rates in the utility billing system. Tests updated rates in the system and on the website.

Coordinates with the external auditors to track protest letters on Proposition 218 notices. Assists in writing responses to protest letters.

Coordinates the updates for the Rates and Charges schedule. Work with other departments as necessary. Prepare updated booklet and written communication for Board approval.

Assists in maintaining the Enterprise Model for setting connection fees and property taxes to fund new capital. Coordinate with other departments to update capital requirements and developers to update projections.

Analyzes model to ensure fair and equitable allocation of costs between improvement districts.

Prepares quarterly actual vs budget analysis for operating and non-operating income and by system. Prepare quarterly actual vs budget analysis for capital program expenditures. Prepare quarterly forecasts. Monitor and assist with departments over budget. Coordinate analysis and explanations. Prepare written communication for the Committee.

Develops financial reports and models to support other departments as requested. Coordinate with Information Systems and other departments. Recommend and implement changes to the Financial System as necessary. Provide testing support.

Contributes to establishing financial policies and maintain confidentiality of financial information.

Prepare and present PowerPoint and other presentations on various topics as necessary.

Builds and updates conceptual models for a business plan.

Assists with the development of District-wide strategic financial initiatives.

Provides analytical support to other departments as requested.

Provides information to be included in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Manages and participates in special projects as assigned.

Attends District Committee and Board meetings as required.

Complies with safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business or related field. Master of Business Administration preferred.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in a finance analytical function with strong analytical experience with an emphasis in financial modeling, as well as the ability to develop and recommend comprehensive solutions.

Experience in building and updating conceptual models for a business plan is preferred. Proficiency with Oracle financial systems preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Windows environment with intermediate abilities in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Thorough understanding of budgeting and forecasting principles and interpreting financial data.
• Thorough understanding of accounting and financial auditing principles and best practices.
• Strong understanding of financial laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with and present to all levels of District staff, including senior management, as well as outside professionals and legal counsel.
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside professionals. Ability to present complex financial data to internal and external teams.
• Use discretion and exercise independent judgment and interpretation of policy, rules and regulations. Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide and calculate percentages, decimals and fractions.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

A valid Class 'C' California Driver's License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire.

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.