Financial Manager - Rates and Regulation

Primary Role:

Responsible for leading rates and regulatory activities for a specific state while participating in regional/divisional activities as well. Shapes, drives and influences the rate case process with the state(s).
Supports regulatory initiatives in the form of required testimony, exhibits and interrogatories consistent with individual rate case requirements. Ensures compliance with US GAAP and regulatory and Company policies.



Key Accountabilities:

Supports Rates and Regulations leadership within the specified state.
Works with the Director, Senior Manager and State President/GM to coordinate a rate case strategy and execution within an assigned state(s). Provides advice and expertise on a pro-active basis to executives, senior managers and employees. Represents the Sr. Manager or Director of Rates & Regulations internally as well as to external regulators and legal bodies and industry groups through the state(s). Develops and maintains a recognized presence in the state and with regulators, staff and interveners. Assists in the formulation of corporate
 policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. Provides advice and assistance in planning and reporting progress on all regulatory matters including regulatory revenue forecasting.

Maximizes value for each of the operating companies.
Project manages assigned aspects of selected rate cases and other regulatory filings. Ensures that the assigned element of each case is thoroughly and completely prepared. Prepares and reviews rate case support schedules, testimony and exhibits. Prepares and reviews response to interrogatories. Provides expert testimony (written and oral) on items of particular complexity or sensitivity. Prepares filings for other key strategic issues supporting the on-going development of the business. Supports the coordination with engineering to efficiently plan capital additions. Assists in establishing new rates on company software and monitors bills for accuracy.

Ensures on-going compliance to maintain the Company's good standing. Identifies, documents and completes rate related regulatory requirements and liaises with other functions (operations, HR, etc.) to advise on other regulatory requirements. Meets targets developed by the Sr. Manager of Rates or Director of Rates & Regulations for critical items not specified as a regulatory requirement. Ensures timely and accurate filings on all assigned regular or routing matters, e.g., DSIC, Annual AIF, Tariff Updates, etc. Ensures compliance with US GAAP in accord with the local rate making process.

Assists in developing a top notch rates team. Supports and develops team members and provides flexible support to colleagues. Provides assistance in building and maintaining the Rates Knowledge community and in developing best practices. Contributes to effective communication by listening and providing constructive feedback, supporting the creation of an open and honest work environment, and cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to other members of the team and colleagues across the business. Ensures continued staff development as complete rates professional including case preparation, testimony and external relations.

Drives on-going improvements. Records process performance using established measures. Regularly reviews, measures and assesses activities to drive continuous process improvements and related goals. Provides tools and practices to optimize total process efficiency and effectiveness in accordance with corporate objectives. Implements Best Practices


Skills:

Ability to cultivate an environment focused on quality. Excellent quantitative, analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.
Ability to coordinate the development of report documentation. Strong leadership and project management skills, including ability to work
effectively with all levels throughout the organization and across functional lines. Ability to lead cross functional teams. Ability to build productive working relationships. Ability to generate team cooperation.
Ability to lead the completion of complex financial models in support of unique transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures, concessions and joint ventures. Ability to utilize multiple methods of analysis, cost accounts analysis, budgeting and forecasting to a standard that can be upheld upon peer review. Ability to present expert witness and coordinate/communicate with senior business and financial leaders.
Excellent planning, time management, and organizing skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to think quickly under pressure. Ability to negotiate effectively with interveners and Staff.
Ability to identify and document personal skill development goals and
milestones. Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on initiative, knowledge sharing and team building. Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information in accordance with American Water's applicable policies. Ability to lead negotiations and strategy with commission staff, and testify at hearings.



Knowledge:

Comprehensive and advanced knowledge of US GAAP, International
Accounting Standards, SOX and other regulatory (SEC, state utility
regulatory bodies, etc.) requirements and practices. Advanced knowledge of corporate and utility accounting and reporting.
Excellent understanding and highly technical expertise required in rates or planning/accounting/finance. Detailed understanding of state specific regulations and regulatory environment. Excellent business understanding and personal credibility with business managers.
Comprehensive knowledge of analysis techniques to new and unusual
activities. Demonstrated experience in managing and coaching direct reports and establishing career development plans by identifying development goals, milestones and measures. Advanced knowledge of financial and accounting systems and software, frameworks and functionality such as: Microsoft Office products, spreadsheet software, JD Edwards, SAP, Orcom, Hyperion or other ERP systems.
Solid experience in rate case testimony working with staff, preparing
written testimony and delivering oral testimony. Experience covers multiple rate cases with amounts up to $10 Million. Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance. MBA in Accounting or Finance. 10 years prior accounting related job experience required, including experience with full cycle accounting processes. 4 to 6 years prior experience in the utility, shared service or multi-company corporation industry.
1-2 years supervisory experience or equivalent required.
Demonstrated experience in identifying process improvement
opportunities and engaging in implementing improvements.
Demonstrated experience in analyzing customer needs through soliciting,evaluating and acting upon customer feedback.Demonstrated experience in managing and coaching direct reports and establishing career development plans by identifying development goals,
milestones and measures.
Certifications && Licenses: CPA, CMA, or CFA.

EOE