Supervisor, Finance and Rates

American Water Works Association; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax Water is seeking a Finance and Rates leader to supervise a team and drive financial planning, rate setting, debt management, and cash/investment activities. You will work on wholesale and retail rate strategies and ensure compliance with debt covenants.

The role focuses on developing financial models, coordinating external studies, and supporting the Retirement Plan administration. A strong background in GAAP and ERP systems is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in finance, accounting, business or related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible finance and rate analysis experience.
• Three years of supervisory or project lead experience.
• Master's degree or CPA/CPFO preferred.
• GAAP knowledge and proficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong Excel and MS Office skills; ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance and Rates staff under the Manager, Finance and Rates.
• Develop and maintain strategic financial models aligned with debt management policy.
• Prepare financial analyses and projections for rate changes and debt covenants.
• Oversee cost of service studies, rate development, and billing reconciliations.
• Assist with debt issuance, cash management, and investment analysis.
• Prepare actuarial inputs and support Fairfax Water Retirement Plan administration.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Leadership

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance / accounting / business

Master's degree or CPA/CPFO preferred

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Under limited supervision of the Manager, Finance and Rates, supervises and functions as the lead person for financial planning, rate setting, debt management, wholesale customer contracts, cash management, investment portfolio management, and assists with the financial administration of the Fairfax Water Retirement Plan. Performs other financial functions and demonstrates continuous efforts to improve financial and related business processes.

Examples of Duties:

• Provides leadership, technical guidance, and supervisors the Finance and Rates staff.Serves as section lead and coordinates the training and development of staff.
• Assists staff with the completion of day-to day tasks and duties of the department.
• Performs employment related duties to include interviewing to fill vacant positions andcomplete staff performance reviews.
• Writes and reviews departmental procedures and guidelines.
• Establishes and monitors staff performance goals.
• Prepares and updates the strategic financial model to ensure compliance with Fairfax Water'sdebt management policy and trust indenture requirements.
• Prepares financial analysis and projections to determine if any rate changes are needed.
• Coordinates and oversees the completion of external cost of service studies. Validates financialassumptions and calculations and maintains internal schedules for annual updates.
• Develops specific rates, fees, and charges for retail and wholesale water service in accordancewith Fairfax Water's strategic financial planning model.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all contracts and agreements established with thewholesale water service customers. Performs billing rate reconciliations and other analysis.
• Monitors, tracks, and performs analysis and bill review for purchased water and associatedcapital improvement expenditures.
• Assists with debt issuance and existing debt to ensure compliance with debt covenants and IRScompliance regulations.
• Prepares schedules for the annual surveillance process of credit rating agencies for transmittal tothe financial advisor.
• Assists with cash and investment management activities to include forecasting, wire transfers,online banking administration, and banking system implementations and upgrades.
• Performs investment analysis, including monitoring of portfolio balances and diversification ofinvestments within policy guidelines, for Fairfax Water and the Retirement Plan accounts.
• Prepares reports for actuary to complete the annual actuarial valuation for Fairfax Water'sRetirement Plan and other post-employment benefit plans.
• Provides actuary support as needed.
• Reconciles and performs periodic data analysis for the Fairfax Water Retirement Planadministration system and performs testing for upgrades and other system changes.
• Provides financial support and analysis during the annual budget and capital improvementprogram processes, with an emphasis on impact to rates and debt service projections.
• Responsible for preparing weekly and monthly financial reports and memos.
• Prepares effective oral and written presentations and documents as requested.
• Assists in evaluating and improving operational efficiency within the department.
• Performs general ledger analysis and cash and accrual financial statement projections.
• Performs ad hoc financial analysis and other special financial studies.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree infinance, accounting, business, or other closely related field and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in finance and rate analysis.
• Three years of supervisory or project lead experience with the ability to plan, direct, andsupervise the activities of a financial staff.
• A master's degree or CPA or CPFO certification is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current governmental and generally accepted accountingprinciples (GAAP), methods, and practices.
• Strong experience with enterprise resource systems. SAP experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office experience with advanced Excel skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.Ability to analyze and interpret financial records and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and externalstakeholders.
• Ability to compile and evaluate data, draw sound conclusions, and recommend course of action.
• Ability to understand operational processes to interpret financial impacts.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment.