Utility Rate Analyst, Senior (Economist, Senior)

About the role

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Sr. Utility Rate Analyst (Senior Economist) to manage all aspects of financial planning for one of Seattle’s utilities (Drainage and Wastewater, Solid Waste, or Water) within the Rates & Financial Planning group. This position is part of a team that reports to the Rates Manager in the Finance Division of the Finance, Administration, and Risk Services Branch.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial and rate impacts of a Fund's programs and policies, including:
• Prepare regular utility rate studies, including proactively identifying and analyzing issues.
• Develop recommendations on financial and rate setting policies.
• Develop ongoing rate forecasts to show financial impacts of business practices, programs and investment choices, and utility policy alternatives.
• Present results of modeling, forecasting and analysis to senior management, interdepartmental teams, citizens' committees and elected officials.
• Manage the ongoing finances of a Fund, including independently identifying and analyzing items that may impact the Fund, preparing monthly financial reports, and monitoring of Fund overall financial performance.
• Maintain the Fund’s financial forecasting and cost allocation models and develop and test new model features as required.
• Provide direction/guidance to interdepartmental groups on issues that impact rates and financial performance.
• Act as the SPU utility lead in the issuance of revenue bonds for the Fund, including recommendation of timing/size of issues and forecast of financial impacts.
• Present financial projections to rating agencies.
• Cook with the City’s law and finance departments, and financial consultants in the development of information for potential investors and rating agencies.
• Lead efforts and direct teams, as required, related to rates or other financial policy initiatives, including coordination with other SPU teams, City departments, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Requires three (3) years’ professional experience in economic and financial research and analysis, and a baccalaureate degree with one year of graduate study in Economics, Finance, Engineering or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis. The year of graduate study may be replaced by two years of related professional experience.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree with one year of graduate study in Economics, Finance, Engineering or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis. The year of graduate study may be replaced by two years of related professional experience.
• Experience and Education Equivalency: Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.
• High proficiency with large volume data analysis and ability to create queries, ad hoc analysis and reporting.
• Background in finance and financial analysis with exposure to accounting treatments, interpretation of accounting guidelines and financial ratios.
• Experience in independently applying a variety of analytic and modeling methods to different problems.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to accomplish work tasks independently, but in close coordination with a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including supervising or directing others and experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with elected officials and the general public with diverging opinions and viewpoints.
• Experience with policy analysis and interpretation of legislation and/or regulations.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and Accountability.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.