Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Arizona G&T Cooperatives

4d

About The Position

Arizona Electric Power Cooperative Inc. (AEPCO) is a not-for-profit electric generation and transmission cooperative providing wholesale services to its electric distribution cooperative and public utility members in Arizona and other southwestern states. Headquartered in Benson, Arizona, AEPCO operates with its sister organization, Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services (Sierra), under the "Arizona G&T Cooperatives" banner. AEPCO's members serve several hundred thousand homes, businesses, farms, and ranches across a geographically and economically diverse region that includes chiefly rural and suburban communities.
In addition to power, electric transmission, and energy services, Arizona G&T Cooperatives provide a broad range of operational, professional and administrative services to support the needs of its members. These services include project and business development, finance and accounting, risk management, information technology, engineering support, regulatory compliance, and human resources.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with the Boards of Directors of AEPCO and Sierra, which are comprised of representatives from electric distribution cooperatives and public utility members. The CFO is an essential part of the executive leadership team and is responsible for sound fiscal operation and management over accounting, tax, treasury, budgeting, rates administration, financing, credit analysis, procurement, financial planning, forecasting and reporting. The CFO participates with the senior management team in strategic and tactical planning, offers analysis and recommendations for all major financial decisions to the respective Boards of Directors, and provides guidance, support, and leadership to the employees of the Finance Division in the performance of their responsibilities.
The CFO is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with directors, lenders, auditors, regulators, and other external stakeholders, while stewarding the financial integrity, sustainability, and long-term viability of Arizona G&T Cooperatives. Preferred leadership qualities include long-term strategic planning and a penchant for collaboration, a demonstrated expertise in electric utility finance, capital planning, and rates administration, as well as a strong understanding of the regulatory and economic factors impacting generation and transmission utilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, or a related discipline
• Ten or more years of progressive utility industry experience, including senior-level financial leadership.
• Strong knowledge of financial markets, institutions, and instruments.
• Exceptional communication skills with demonstrated success presenting complex financial matters to boards and senior leaders.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Master's degree with a finance or accounting concentration strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FERC, RUS, and cooperative or public power business models preferred.
• Preferred leadership qualities include long-term strategic planning and a penchant for collaboration, a demonstrated expertise in electric utility finance, capital planning, and rates administration, as well as a strong understanding of the regulatory and economic factors impacting generation and transmission utilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all financial functions, including accounting, tax, treasury, ratemaking, financial planning and analysis, and procurement.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute strategies that support reliable operations, prudent growth, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure robust fiscal policies, internal controls, budgets, and reporting systems that safeguard assets and promote transparency and accountability.
• Lead financial planning and execution for operating and capital programs, including debt issuance, equity management, working capital, treasury operations, risk management, and access to capital markets.
• Oversee rate design, cost-of-service studies, tariff development, and regulatory approvals.
• Manage relationships with credit rating agencies (S&P Global and Fitch) and financing partners to maintain strong investment-grade credit ratings.
• Direct tax strategy and compliance, maintaining the Cooperatives' not-for-profit status while identifying opportunities to strengthen financial performance.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of finance, accounting, tax, and procurement professionals.
• Present clear, timely, and insightful financial analyses to the Boards of Directors to support strategic and operational decisions.

Benefits

• AEPCO will negotiate a competitive compensation and relocation package commensurate with candidates' qualifications and experience.
• In addition to salary, the cooperative offers an excellent benefits package that includes participation in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) RS defined benefit pension plan and defined contribution 401 (k) plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees