Financial Analyst I

New Braunfels Utilities is looking for a highly motivated, self-sufficient individual to fill the role of Financial Analyst I. The Financial Analyst I will support the Utility’s finance operations, specifically in the areas of Cash Management and Account Reconciliations. This role will also assist and serve as back-up on Investments, Debt Management and CIP Funding. This position will report directly to the Finance & Risk Supervisor. The nature of the work environment for the Finance Department is deadline-oriented, fast-paced and dynamic. This is a high visibility position entailing considerable interaction with NBU’s Executive Team and Board of Trustees. Prior experience in a similar role within the utility industry is preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Primary Duties:

- Oversee the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection and custody of funds at all financial institutions. 

- Prepare monthly bank account reconciliations and work closely with Accounting and Customer Service Departments to identify and work through any discrepancies. 

- Assist management with new user setups in banking platforms and initiate changes from financial institutions as necessary, as well as working with Purchasing Department to renew/extend banking RFPs. 

- Prepare monthly accounting journal entries related to cash management, debt management, etc. 

- Reconcile certain balance sheet accounts and submit documentation monthly to Accounting Department. 

- Participate in annual financial audit by gathering and submitting all requested documentation, distributing and coordinating collection of third-party confirmations on behalf of external auditors and assisting Accounting Department in preparation of the CAFR document.

- Recommend and implement process improvements. 

- Ensure all cash, investment, and debt transactions are accurately and completely recorded in the corresponding system of record. 

- Perform other related duties as necessary, including training new team members and/or back-ups. 

- Additional tasks or special projects as required.

Additional Duties:

- Serve as back-up and assist with the following: 

- Monitoring NBU's investment portfolio by conducting various analyses, monitoring yields and MTM and safeguarding the Investment Policy. 

- Meet with management at least monthly to discuss Investment Portfolio. 

- Facilitate security bid process by coordinating requirements to banks for investment decisions, reviewing bid proposals, confirming purchases, and overseeing transfer of funds. 

- Assemble the Quarterly Investment Presentation to be given to NBU’s Board of Trustees. 

- Prepare agenda and other documentation for annual Investment Committee meetings. 

- Preparing new debt issuance documents. 

- Facilitating post-issuance activities for debt, including updating debt service and interest expense calculations and making regular interest and principal payments. 

- Track impact fees and impact fee rebates 

- Monitor CIP project funding requirements and ensure appropriate funding designation for each capital project. 

- Collect and analyze CIP project current and forecasted cash flow files. 

- Assist various department managers throughout annual budget preparation process on items relating to cash management, investments, debt management, other income/expense, capital project funding sources and other areas as needed.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines. 

- Maintain strict confidentiality of company, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents. 

- Adhere to NBU policies and procedures, as well as safety guidelines and practices, at all times. 

- Exemplify NBU Core Values of Safety, Integrity, Team and Stewardship. 

- Maintain a clean and safe work area, office, field site and vehicle as applicable. 

- Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures.

EDUCATION

Degree/Diploma Obtained: Bachelors

Work Experience Time Frame: One Year or More

Field of Study: Finance

Other: Bachelor's degree (BA) in Finance, Accounting, Business, or other related field.

Other Minimum Qualifications

- Ability to prioritize tasks and respond positively and effectively to changes in priorities. 

- Demonstrated ability to work with a strong sense of urgency and meet deadlines without close supervision. 

- Ability to organize and evaluate complex amounts of information and documentation. 

- Strong analytical and problem solving abilities and attention to detail. 

- Relevant experience with MS Office Suite, specifically Microsoft Excel, in order to produce reports, spreadsheets and presentations that are accurate, concise and navigable. 

- Sufficient understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as well as company business processes, work flows and technologies specific to the utility industry is preferred. 

- Displayed positive and collaborative attitude is imperative. 

- Capacity to maintain professional demeanor at all times in all work-related dealings, as well as the motivation to develop and maintain positive internal and external working relationships with peers, consultants, etc.