Deputy Director, Finance at Fairfax Water – Fairfax, Virginia

Under limited supervision of the Director, Finance, provides leadership by planning, directing, coordinating, and managing staff responsible for financial planning, rate setting, budgeting, accounting, and assists with the financial administration of the Fairfax Water Retirement Plan. Ensures compliance with Fairfax Water policies and provisions of the General Trust Indenture.

• Assists the Director, Finance to develop and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Works in conjunction with the Director, Finance to lead and manage the financial operations of the Finance Division, and to monitor and identify areas of improvement.
• Provides oversight with all accounting operations including accounts payable, payroll, employee and retiree benefit accounting, billing, and general ledger management.
• Monitors capital and employee benefit related accounting and fund balances.
• Oversees the completion of the annual audits for Fairfax Water and its fiduciary activities including the Fairfax Water Retirement Plan and self-insured health benefits plan.
• Directs the coordination and development of the Annual Operating Budget and provides support to complete the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on an annual basis.
• Provides oversight with all finance functions including the annual rate setting process, external cost of service studies, and strategic financial planning and modeling.
• Oversees the development of specific rates, fees, and charges for retail and wholesale water service in conjunction with Fairfax Water’s strategic financial planning process.
• Assists in managing debt issuance and existing debt including debt service to ensure compliance with debt covenants and IRS regulations.
• Works closely with the Director, Finance and other members of the senior leadership team to manage and maintain wholesale customer contracts.
• Directs cash and investment management functions for Fairfax Water, the Fairfax Water Retirement Plan, and the self-insured health benefits plan.
• Assists with the financial administration of the Fairfax Water Retirement Plan to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Oversees pension and OPEB administration.
• Responsible for the selection and coordination of services provided to Fairfax Water by its auditor, actuary, investment advisors, financial consultants, and bond counsel.
• Prepares and reviews financial reports, documents, and presentations for Board meetings.
• Attends Finance and Audit Committee meetings and Board meetings as required.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Prepares effective oral and written presentations and documents as requested.
• Performs ad hoc financial analysis and other special financial studies.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or other closely related field and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance or public utility management.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible management experience with the ability to plan, direct, and lead the activities of a large, diversified group of employees.
• CPA, CPFO certification, or a master’s degree is required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current governmental and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), methods, and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices of public finance, including accounting, auditing, budgeting, debt management, rate setting, and financial modeling.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial systems and procedures applicable to utility billing and accounting activities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of retirement plans and OPEB administration, including plan interpretation, financial reporting, actuarial analyses, and IRS requirements.
• The ability to conduct workforce planning activities by identifying staffing needs and recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and mentoring highly qualified, diverse staff to meet those needs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and collaborate with members of a senior leadership team, governing Board, internal and external stakeholders, and consultants.
• Ability to effectively express ideas and recommendations other than in writing in various settings to peers, staff, managers, supervisors, and external audiences to both provide and seek information.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills, including ability to identify, balance, and rapidly shift priorities as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work proactively and independently in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Repeat offenses shall be subject to further disciplinary measures up to and including termination in accordance with Fairfax Water's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Demonstrated experience with contract management and administrative functions.
• Strong experience with enterprise resource programs. SAP experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office experience with advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial records and reports.
• Ability to understand operational processes to interpret financial impacts.
• Ability to travel for meetings and attend Board meetings as needed.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment.
• Experience working with a non-profit or water utility preferred.