Utilities Director of Finance

Job Summary

The Utilities Director of Finance is responsible for directing and managing financial operations for the City of Athens utilities departments. This position helps to ensure the success and compliance of a variety of city operations and functions. It is responsible for developing, administering, and maintaining a comprehensive program of sound financial management and oversight for Utilities. 

Job Description

MAJOR DUTIES:

Assists department heads with the budgeting processes for electric, gas, and water services utilities; works with department heads to develop and manage department budgets. Reviews all budgets with General Manager of Utilities. Assists with the development of financial forecasts for electric, gas, and water services utilities. Assists with user rate model development and updates for the electric, gas, and water services departments. Reviews and approves expense statements; signs checks for all utility departments. Manages insurance policies for the utility departments; monitors risk management to ensure adequate coverage; manages insurance claims for utility departments. Work with local, state, and federal agencies to apply for grants, such as those available through the Public Assistance program, which reimburses communities for a significant portion of eligible disaster costs. Ensure financial records are complete and organized for any audits conducted by state or federal authorities. Work with TVA and external auditors with the preparation of annual departmental audits. Along with utility department heads, work with S&P and/or Moody’s Rating Agencies in the preparation of their forward-looking credit opinions for each utility department. Provide necessary assistance in the acquisition of capital improvement funding through the Municipal Bond market. Manages debt to ensure compliance with internal controls. Manages bank transfers and the wiring of money. Oversees the optimization of finance software; researches and recommends new software and hardware technology as needed. Prepares and oversees Finance Department budget. Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel. Assists with and resolves finance related customer service issues. Assists Customer Accounts Department as needed to ensure day to day operational needs are maintained. Performs related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

18 year or older. High School Diploma, GED and/or equivalent work experience. Valid Driver’s license. BS degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience. Certified Public Accountant required.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of accounting and financial reporting principles and practices. Knowledge of internal control principles and practices. Knowledge of risk management and insurance principles and practices. Knowledge of financial management software systems. Knowledge of personnel management principles. Knowledge of budget development and management principles. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs. Skill in the training and supervision of personnel. Skill in problem solving. Skill in prioritizing and planning. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK:

The work consists of varied management, accounting, and supervisory duties. Strict laws and regulations, the need for accuracy, and the necessity of working with multiple stakeholders contribute to the complexity of the work. The purpose of this position is to direct financial operations for the city’s utility departments. Success in this position contributes to the success and compliance of a variety of city operations and functions.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has direct supervision over Utilities Accounting Manager, Purchasing Manager, Utilities Accountant, Utilities Payroll Accountant, Warehouse Supervisor, Senior Accounting Technician, and Warehouse Technician.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while standing or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light objects. The work is typically performed in an office. Physical strength, ability, and mobility to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation. Must be willing to work non-standard work hours, holidays, shifts, and weekends as necessary. Must be willing to be on-call. 

City Application is Required. Apply online via the City website www.athensal.us; email application to humanresources@athensal.us. For inquiries, call 256-233-8737.