Financial Planning Director – Business Services Bureau – SFPUC (0933) (166843)

This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A. Application opens Monday, August 3, 2026 and closes Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT).

About the Organization

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) serves over 2.7 million customers in the Bay Area with water, power, and wastewater services. Headquartered in San Francisco, we employ 2,300 staff across eight counties, operating 24/7 to deliver high-quality, efficient, and reliable utility services while prioritizing environmental and community interests.

Our mission is to provide exceptional utility services in a manner that values sustainability and the resources entrusted to our care. As an award-winning, industry-leading organization, we are committed to innovation, safety, stewardship, and inclusiveness. Learn more at sfpuc.gov.

About the Role

The Financial Planning Director, reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, oversees the day-to-day operations of the Financial Strategy Division, focusing on agency rate administration and financial planning. This senior leadership role advises the Deputy CFO and other SFPUC executives on a broad range of financial matters, including rate development, regulatory compliance, and financial policy.

The position manages a team of six professionals and plays a key role in shaping the SFPUC’s financial strategy. It requires technical expertise, strong communication skills, and political acumen to navigate complex financial and regulatory landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Plan, monitor, evaluate, and supervise the Financial Strategy Division’s operations, including rate administration and financial planning activities.
• Provide financial oversight and coordination for the SFPUC’s water sales contracts with suburban wholesale customers, including revenue requirement calculations, rate determinations, and audits.
• Direct staff in developing utility rates, fees, cost-of-service studies, revenue forecasting, and utility cost analyses.
• Ensure utility rates comply with all applicable local, state (California-specific), and federal regulations, as well as SFPUC financial policies.
• Develop and monitor enterprise revenue budgets, analyzing variances and utility sales volumes throughout the year.
• Prepare and present rate proposals, cost-of-service studies, and financial policies to the board, commissions, other agencies, and the public.
• Lead, mentor, and coach a team of professionals in a technically demanding work environment.
• Serve as a key advisor within the Financial Strategy team, supporting critical decision-making across the agency.
• Perform additional duties as assigned for Class 0933 Manager V.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate demonstrates the following leadership competencies critical to the Financial Planning Director role:

• Accountability: Acts with integrity, honesty, and fairness; inspires trust and defines clear roles and responsibilities. Complies with legal and ethical guidelines and stewards resources responsibly.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Takes ownership of problems, makes timely and transparent decisions, and involves others in solutions. Gathers and analyzes relevant information to understand decision impacts.
• Strategic Planning: Formulates objectives, implements plans, and allocates resources to achieve long-term organizational goals.
• Risk Management: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks to the organization’s strategic goals. Ensures adherence to procedures that prevent operational, financial, legal, or safety risks.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial planning and rate setting for large municipal or governmental organizations, including:
  • Strategic long-range (10+ years) financial planning, forecasting, and cost-of-service retail rate development for California water, power, and/or sewer utilities with annual budgets exceeding $1 billion.
  • Three years of supervisory experience managing professionals in similar financial work.
• Education Substitution: Additional qualifying experience (as described above) may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years. One year of experience equals 30 semester units or 45 quarter units.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date. Full-time employment is defined as 2,000 hours per year; overtime above 40 hours per week is not included in this calculation.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, public administration, economics, or a related field.
• Experience with PeopleSoft.
• Experience in water, power, and wastewater utility rates.

Selection Process

Qualified candidates will advance through the following steps:

• Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ): A questionnaire to verify the applicant’s experience relative to the minimum qualifications.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Examination (Weight: 100%): A detailed assessment measuring job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities, including:
  • Knowledge of California laws, rules, and regulations governing utility rate setting.
  • Proficiency in financial systems, data extraction, and reporting.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data, develop financial models, and oversee forecasting.
  • Experience directing, managing, and training staff in complex financial analysis.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, city departments, other agencies, and the public.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial or policy matters clearly.
  • Experience making presentations to diverse internal and external audiences.

Candidates must achieve a passing score on the Supplemental Questionnaire Examination to advance and be placed on the eligible list in rank order. Scores may also apply to other related announcements.