Utilities Business Solutions Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY

The Utilities Business Analyst, under the supervision of the Utilities Business Solutions Manager, performs a variety of technical and professional-level work involving the analysis of department budgets, expenses, revenues, and utilities rates and fees. The Business Analyst will be responsible for developing, modifying and monitoring performance measurement tools to inform the Utilities Department long-term financial strategy.

Reports to: Manager – Business Solutions

Direct Reports: None

Performance of the essential functions of this position requires:

• Expert knowledge of database applications, spreadsheets and data management protocols
• Ability to develop and implement quality assurance/quality control measures to minimize the potential for errors
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to present key information to plant management for decision-making
• Experience utilizing the following MS Office Applications:
  Word, Excel, Power Point
• Ability to create high-quality presentation materials and data visualizations, including figures, tables, and diagrams.
• Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive reasoning
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, determine priorities, recall directions and details, and to follow-through to complete performance of essential functions
• Ability to effectively prioritize project assignments, track and report project status for multiple projects
• Ability to support an ethical, non-discriminatory and safe work environment

This position works in collaboration with Manager and Deputy Director to oversee the execution of utility financial needs for the water and sewer utility, specifically:

• Assists in the overall management of business functions of the utility including supporting the administration and monitoring of department budgets and cost of service modeling
• Performs financial and statistical analysis for utility rates, revenue collection, metering and performance management
• Prepares and reviews quarterly financial fund reports including analysis and interpretation of performance
• Tracks capital project funding, monitors expenses and prepares financial summary reports, including those related to stormwater utility services
• Work in conjunction with the Utilities Manager – Business Solutions, Utilities – Deputy Director – Business Solutions, and Finance department on securing funds from common debt funding sources including:
  • Water Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act
  • State Revolving Fund
  • Municipal Bond Market
• Identifies recommendations to improve operational controls, procedures and document management
• Monitors and guides training in division’s financial processes ensuring financial transactions are in accordance with City policies and procedures
• Monitors legislative changes for impacts to the delivery of services
• Assists in preparation of an annual budget and long-term financial planning documentation
• Notifies departments of potential budget over-runs and makes recommendations for alternative funding sources and budget amendments, including those related to stormwater utility services
• Develops analytical tools for making financial projections and recommendations
• Assembles relevant historical revenue and expenditure information for financial trend monitoring
• Monitors grant opportunities and prepares applications for the Utilities Department
• Maintenance of Water and Sewer rate and fee models
• Ability to describe rate design process to multiple audiences
• Identification of rate structure types and relative impacts on customers
• Review and tracking of financial provisions in Utility agreements

Additional responsibilities include

• Effectively build formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization
• Managing and analyzing the Utilities department agreements including:
  • Sanitary Sewer Connector District agreements
  • Water Supply agreements
  • Operation and Maintenance Agreements
• Evaluating, prioritizing, and communicating critical projects and administrative tasks, including those related to stormwater utility services
• Gaining the confidence and…