Finance Director, Utilities Regulation

City of Edmonton•Edmonton, AB

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Deputy City Treasurer and Branch Manager, Financial Services, the Finance Director, Utilities Regulation provides senior regulatory and financial leadership to support Council in its review and approval of utility customer rates, terms and conditions of service, governance, policies and procedures, and ongoing operations of municipal public utilities for the City of Edmonton. These public utilities include the Water, Wastewater Treatment, and Drainage Utility services provided by EPCOR Water Services Inc. as well as the Waste Services and the Downtown and Blatchford District Energy Utilities operated by the City of Edmonton. This work of the Finance Director is strategic and financial focused, involving a high degree of professional judgment and business and regulatory expertise. The Finance Director is responsible for leading a team of finance professionals that provides comprehensive business advice, financial analysis and creative solutions and provides recommendations with regard to complex financial challenges, issues and strategies in the context of their impact on their clients ability to meet its business plan objectives, performance targets and financial results.

Requirements

Knowledge, training and/or education in Business, Commerce, Economics, Engineering or related disciplines
Financial expertise including experience at a senior management capacity leading teams in a complex public or private sector organization
Relevant regulatory and/or utility industry experience
Knowledge of how public utilities are regulated, electricity and natural gas legislation in Alberta and utility rate design and cost of service principles
Proven ability to build a respectful workplace culture through a values-based influencer approach and work collaboratively
Understanding of complex municipal subject matter and a proven ability to build influential relationships with internal and external partners
Strong political acumen, strategic planning, issue resolution and decision-making skills
Proven ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences, build positive relationships and establish clear expectations
Service excellence, embracing diversity and promoting inclusiveness
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies
Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Nice To Haves

Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA) or a related designation

Responsibilities

Research best practices and industry trend review, complex business financial analytics, technical analysis and review, development of financial models, conceptual frameworks and innovation through consultation in a multi-disciplinary environment
Provide senior regulatory and financial leadership to support Utility Committee and Council in its review and approval of utility customer rates and terms and conditions of service
Oversee the regulatory application review and approval process including the coordination of procedural steps with the Utility Committee, Council and external and internal parties
Contribute to the coordination of public hearings on utility matters, liaising and consulting with the utility, external consultants, lawyers and public
Oversee the submission and review of quarterly and ongoing operational and performance reporting of the municipal public utilities
Prepare and present written reports to the Utility Committee and Council summarizing the utility rate applications, issues and recommendations
Respond to inquiries from the general public, the utilities and other interested parties on various utility and regulatory matter
Provide leadership and guidance to a team of financial professionals in the delivery of service to the clients that is in compliance with legislation, policies, procedures and directives and accomplished within the corporate timelines and requirements
Anticipate business opportunities, influence policy, planning and initiatives, and foster a culture of accountability through performance measurement
Liaise with Client areas and other departments to align budgets with Council approved vision and directional plans
Build new and innovative collaborative partnerships with external agencies such as other orders of government, community organizations, and internal departments and branches