Chief Financial Officer

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Chief Financial Officer serves as a is a senior executive level position and is responsible for the organizations financial strategy, regulatory financial compliance, capital planning, and overall financial health of the utility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, negotiates, organizes, directs and guides the management of all utility accounting and finance functions to ensure the adequacy and reliability of the utility's combined systems.
• Develop financial strategies that support DES long-term business plan
• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets.
• Develop long-range financial forecast and capital investment plans
• Coordinate annual financial audits.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements with regulatory agencies.
• Submits to the Board of Directors through the General Manager a monthly statement of revenues and expenses in sufficient detail to show the exact financial condition of the utility.
• Oversees the preparation of accurate financial statements.
• Monitor capital expenditure budgets.
• Manage cash flow.
• Oversee debt issuance and refinancing
• Manage investments and working capital.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, state, and local requirements in connection with the issuance of debt obligations.
• Oversees the development of fiscal budgets for all utility departments.
• At the end of the fiscal year, oversees the preparation of a complete financial statement and report for submission to the Board of Directors.
• Formulates policies and planning recommendations; directs and ensures compliance with the utility's policies and procedures.
• Monitor electricity, broadband and sanitation revenue and customer billing.
• Analyze operating cost, including fuel, purchased power, labor and maintenance.
• Prepares and reviews reports on departmental activities and recommends changes.
• Ensures compliance with all safety, reliability, and environmental standards and requirements.
• Attends meetings of the DES' Board of Directors to explain utility expenditures.
• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, and counseling of all accounting employees.
• Attends meetings outside normal working hours and in the evenings as required.
• Handles other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field and ten (10) years of relevant municipal or utility financial management experience, at least five (5) of which were in a managerial or executive capacity. Master's degree is preferred and may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience up to a maximum of two (2) years. Or any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Must possess at the time of employment a valid Class D Driver License allowing legal operation of motor vehicle in Tennessee. Maintaining the Class D or equivalent license is a continuing condition of employment.
• Must maintain at the time of employment or obtain at a time designated by DES, a valid certification of proficiency in adult CPR, first aid, and AED.

SPECIAL SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of utility finance and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of GAAP, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting standards, as applicable.
• Experience with debt issuance, bond markets, and public financing.
• Ability to build effective relationships with Board members, regulators, financial institutions, and auditors.
• High ethical standards and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data
• Computer software skills using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, other employees of DES and the general public.
• Customer service oriented at all times.
• Willing to work with all employees in the best interest of the utility and to accept changes in work programs and patterns to keep pace with changing times.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work 8-hour shifts or longer if emergency situations require.
• Must be able to work under any type of weather conditions.
• Must be skilled in the application of first aid methods.
• Must be able to follow safe and efficient work practices.
• Must possess visual acuity and manual dexterity as well as the ability to listen and communicate orally.

STATEMENT ON POSITION:

This job description and specification is to give the applicant a reasonable expectation of the requirements and responsibilities of the job. It in no way infers that the person will be limited only to the requirements stated. Anything deemed necessary by Management will become an integral part of the job.