Austin Energy Finance Director

About This Position

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing diverse financial functions, guiding long range financial strategy, and communicating complex financial concepts to executive leadership and external oversight bodies. Candidates should be comfortable working in organizations that provide essential public services, where transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance are key drivers of financial decision making.

Job Description:

Dir, AE Finance

Purpose

Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for the management and operations of Austin Energy's (AE) financial services division including the following functions: accounting, financial reporting, rates (regulatory and non-regulatory services), budget/financial forecasting, CIS /billing support, payments, inventory accounting, financial management, purchasing, and contract administration.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Plans, organizes, directs, and controls activities of AE's financial services division.
• Provides financial advice to AE's executive team. Prepares, reviews, and recommends rates and prices for AE's services. Conducts technical financial analysis to support recommendations on rates.
• Reviews processes and procedures regarding regulatory changes within the electric utility industry.
• Provides expert accounting testimony in utility rate proceedings.
• Analyzes employee and business needs and develops short- and long-range strategies, goals, and action plans to meet those needs.
• Develops and monitors the assigned O&M and CIP budgets. Recommends major purchases and expenditures.
• Investigates and provides financial information to City Council, citizens, management, and staff.
• Develops, prepares, reviews, and presents technical financial information in oral and written communication before the City Council, governmental and regulatory agencies, boards, and commissions.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws and City ordinances.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
• Knowledge of financial accounting, reporting, and management.
• Knowledge of financial forecasting methods.
• Knowledge of electric utility industry financial and operational trends.
• Knowledge of the concepts of equity, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting applicable research data.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of experience in a field related to the job, including at least two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-managerial/executive experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required: None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active CPA License in the State of Texas, or the ability to obtain a Texas CPA license within 12 months of employment.
• Experience leading professional finance teams within a municipally-owned utility or similar entity.
• Experience communicating and presenting complex financial concepts and strategies to executive leadership, governing bodies, and other external stakeholders.
• Experience managing regulatory accounting and/or financial reporting teams, including internal control framework development.
• Experience in any of the following: cost of service modeling, long-term financial forecasts, and/or capital funding strategies.

Notes to Candidate:

Salary is commensurate with experience and the approved salary range.

Schedule: Monday - Friday / 40 hours per week / telework options available.

Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin Texas 78723.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• This position may require a criminal background investigation.

Critical:

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is considered FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and, except as provided, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system at the end.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.