Accounting Analyst I or II - Forcasting

City Utilities of Springfield•Springfield, MO

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Manager – Financial Planning & Analysis, the Accounting Analyst provides analytical support for developing and administering the Operating Budget and multi-year Operating Plan for a utility delivering electric, natural gas, water, transportation, and telecommunications/broadband services. The position prepares budget and operating plan schedules, financial reports, forecasts, reconciliations, journal entries, and project management reporting. It collects, validates, and analyzes financial and operational data for budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and management decision-making. The analyst collaborates with Financial Planning & Analysis staff and operational departments to maintain reporting systems and provide financial information supporting financial planning. The role also supports external funding opportunities, including grant application development, financial analysis, and coordination with internal stakeholders. The position may be hired at the Accounting Analyst I or Accounting Analyst II level, depending on qualifications and experience. The role is primarily based in a normal office environment. Occasional work outside regular business hours may be required for operational meetings, critical business needs, or other time-sensitive activities. Testing may be required.

Requirements

Accounting Analyst I: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Accounting Analyst I: Two years of recent, progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, finance, financial analysis, financial planning, or a related business field.
Accounting Analyst II: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Accounting Analyst II: Five years of recent, progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, finance, financial analysis, or a related business field, including at least two years in financial analysis, budgeting, or financial planning.
Ability to express or exchange ideas through spoken communication and receive detailed information orally.
Substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers and close visual acuity to operate a computer.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and adapt to evolving technologies and systems.
Ability to remain alert and aware of surroundings and respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting practices, financial reporting, and automated financial systems.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate financial information and reporting results.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build positive working relationships and explain financial information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Utility experience.
Experience preparing financial models, forecasts, and management reporting.
An advanced degree or professional certification such as CPA, CMA, CFA, CGMA, or CGFM.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing and maintaining the Operating Budget and multi-year Operating Plan, including financial statements, supporting schedules, reports, dashboards, and presentations.
Collect, validate, analyze, and interpret financial and operational data to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
Maintain budget reporting systems and project management reporting, including project setup, reporting layouts, reconciliations, and budget reporting.
Prepare budget and operating plan schedules, financial reports, forecasts, reconciliations, journal entries, and project management reporting.
Collaborate with Financial Planning & Analysis staff and operational departments to maintain reporting systems and provide financial information for financial planning.
Support external funding opportunities, including grant application development, financial analysis, and coordination with internal stakeholders.