Utility Financial Consultant I (Job #261) ($70,025 - $77,269)

General Purpose:

Under general supervision of the Regional Field Manager, this role assists small community water, wastewater, and solid waste systems to analyze rates, develop and manage budgets, and implement adequate internal financial controls. The Consultant works closely with utility staff, governing boards, and occasionally the general public to increase understanding of financial best practices and implement sustainable utility practices. Additionally, the Consultant prepares and delivers classroom and individual trainings as needed to build the capacity of local partners.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the needs of our clients, with an emphasis on financial management.
• Build technical, managerial, and/or financial capacity at small utilities.
• Manage relationships with client communities and utilities.
• Help clients access financial resources to address drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste needs.
• Recommend and implement solutions, including rate recommendations.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships to maximize limited resources.
• Develop, prepare, and deliver group and one-on-one trainings.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Prepare activity and outcome reports as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

No supervision exercised.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EQUIVALENT combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.
• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.
• EXPERIENCE: One to three years of applicable experience in nonprofit accounting or fund accounting, municipal or utility financial management or other closely related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Candidates with less than the minimum combination of experience and education are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a Trainee-level position (Grade 9, salary range $64,391 - $70,245) 

Candidates with additional experience, education and/or qualifications may be considered for Utility Financial Consultant II (Grade 11, salary range $77,942 - $85,028). A Utility Financial Consultant II is responsible for all the duties listed above with minimal oversight and will be expected to handle more complex tasks than a Utility Financial Consultant I. A typical qualifying combination for the Utility Financial Consultant II positions would be:

Experience:

Seven years of applicable experience in nonprofit accounting or fund accounting, municipal or utility financial management or other closely related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues. Or equivalent combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of utility rates, internal controls, and utility finances
• Knowledge of resources available to support community water and wastewater projects.
• Knowledge and familiarity with rural and tribal community culture and social norms
• Facilitation, mediation, and meeting management skills
• Skill with personal computers, including cloud computing, Microsoft Office, and QuickBooks
• Skill with video conferencing platforms
• Organizing and coordinating skills
• Database and records management skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and conduct participant-centered trainings and workshops.
• Ability to troubleshoot, innovate, and problem-solve.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to meet strict timelines.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience and familiarity with rural and Tribal community dynamics
• Certified Management Accountant certification
• Bilingual in languages spoken in our client communities (including, but not limited to Spanish, Navajo, Yup'ik, Salish)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel is required, including regular visits to remote rural and Indigenous communities that may lack cell service and other modern amenities.

RCAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employees and job applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, or any other status protected by law. RCAC strives to reflect the diverse constituencies that the organization serves.