Water Utility Support Analyst (34.25)

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Operations Financial Analyst Supervisor, the Water Utility Support Analyst coordinates and performs blankets capital project management to ensure the delivery and completion of general capital projects on time and within budgets. This is achieved by efficient use of time through good organizational skills in the monitoring of the quality and progress during the course of a project in an expeditious manner, investigates and resolves issues regarding the job orders. The incumbent also assists the Supervisor in preparations of annual Capital and Expense budgets for Operations, performs other tasks, cooperates with others and respond to emergencies or unusual circumstances as required or assigned. The employee is responsible for embracing the appropriate technology tools to accomplish job responsibilities.

Accountability
The Water Utility Support Analyst reports works in an environment of routinely sensitive and confidential issues; therefore, the person in this position must have the ability to achieve policy objectives, including accountability for confidentiality of information. The Analyst is accountable for all administrative tasks and analysis performed in relation to Water Utility. This includes the responsibility to review and verify daily, monthly, quarterly, and year end transactions. As a responsible professional, this Analyst must be able to work independently under general supervision, exercise initiative and judgment in the performance of the core job responsibilities of this position. This Analyst is skilled in the ability to answer questions and find immediate solutions as needed to facilitate a dynamic and high performance organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Water Utility Support Analyst interfaces with various internal departments and must work exceptionally well with employees of all levels. The person in this position is responsible for embracing and utilizing available technology as communication and data gathering tools in performing routine and complex duties for the Planning and Analysis team. Core responsibilities include the following:
* Assist in the preparation of annual capital and expense budget-related functions and ensures the integrity of budget information are entered in the system accurately as approved by the Board
* Coordinates blanket capital projects activities with various Operations Superintendents, Engineers and field staffs.
* Initiates and prepares blanket capital work order package and preliminary cost estimates
* Prepares periodic fluctuation variance analysis report on changes in the capital budgets for Operations groups and perform necessary budget substitutions.
* Reviews completeness and accuracy of job closing package information.
* Performs cost and budget analysis of projects and ensures that all documentation, analysis, authorization, etc. for all phases of projects are complete and proper.
* Analyzes transactions, understands and explains variances, and proactively identifies potential problems and solutions.
* Ability to recognize unusual transactions, trends, or variations and communicate findings to supervisor.
* Work closely with various Operations groups to obtain engineering As-built details and identifies installed and retired facilities.
* Prepares project status reports and project schedules.
* Develops and produces various Power Plant queries as assigned.
* Assist in the identification of other relevant issues within the department and participate in the creation of innovative solutions and/or the implementation of new procedures.
* Provides support in District Invoicing preparations for property damages and other related claims and reimbursements.
* Ensuring department processes are properly documented and followed, and ensuring policies and procedures are in compliance with regulatory and internal requirements.
* Provides assistance with coordination, development and maintenance of General Rate Case studies, data requests, rate comparisons and other assistance as needed.
* Performs/prepares various other special projects analyses and periodic reports as directed.
* Ensures all related processes are in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Sarbanes Oxley requirements in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounting for water utilities.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
* Works under general supervision

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor's Degree in accounting or business preferred.
* At least three years accounting, project management or closely related experience.
* Experience with JD Edwards and PowerPlan accounting software preferred or any other project management software.
* Ability to read and analyze financial reports and present information and respond to questions from internal/external auditors.
* Demonstrated critical thinking capacity and ability to work with minimum supervision.
* Attention to detail and accuracy is required
* Independently manage multiple tasks, projects, works well under pressure and ability to prioritize
* Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with data query/data management tools extremely helpful (Access, SQL, Business Objects)
* Ability to effectively communicate and establish working relationships with other departments and personnel.

Qualities of a Successful Financial Analyst:
* Trustworthy; strong personal integrity
* Demonstrates strong level accountability and ownership
* Executes with discipline and urgency
* Demonstrated Impact and Influencing skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills; solid presentation skills
* Collaborative/Team oriented
* Emotional Maturity
* Exhibits professionalism with internal and external contacts
* High degree of initiative; self-starter

May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.