Lead, Financial Analyst

American Water • Camden, NJ

1d • Remote

About The Position

This job is a Lead-level Financial Analyst who develops recommendations through strategic analysis, ensures accurate financial planning, and provides valuable insights that influence key business decisions for American Water’s Regulated Business. The individual will work closely with cross-functional teams including State Finance Leadership, Operations, and Regulatory Services to optimize financial planning to support business growth and achievement of business objectives. Critical financial functions for this role include budgeting, forecasting, analysis, financial modeling, benchmarking, and planning governance. As a Lead Financial Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in preparing complex financial estimates, using analytic tools to interpret financial results, and developing financial models that support the company’s long-term objectives. This individual must have an advanced ability to communicate financial analysis, results, forecasts and projections to all levels within the organization from Operations to Executive Leadership.

Requirements

• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven financial analysis, financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Ability to make assumptions, draw conclusions and explain variances between expected and actual results
• Ability to apply complex trend evaluation and scenario modeling techniques.
• Ability to recommend and implement process improvements, work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships within finance and all levels of management.
• Utilize highly effective listening and feedback skills to promote open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders.
• Proven ability to learn concurrently, multitask, productively manage time.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large data sets and extract meaningful insights.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Accounting concepts and understanding of analytical concepts for financial analysis as well as US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of approximately 6-8 years of pertinent FP&A experience required (or relevant experience).
• Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Advanced skills in Excel, financial software (e.g., Oracle, SAP).

Nice To Haves

• Broad knowledge SAP ERP and Hyperion/Oracle Financial Planning systems.
• Detailed understanding of the regulatory environment and detailed knowledge of the utility regulations and tariffs in effect in the divisions.
• MBA, MS-Econ, CPA, CFA or advanced degree(s)/certification(s).
• prior experience in the regulated utility industry.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business partners to develop and refine forecast assumptions used to model American Water’s strategic financial plan.
• Develop and maintain complex financial models to prepare financial forecasts to inform strategic financial plan and decision-making.
• Collaborate with affiliated Operational Finance teams, operations representatives and other key stakeholders to deliver effective detailed planning and analysis of results (budget, forecast and actuals).
• Serve as a key subject matter expert across broad financial matters such as revenue growth, expense trends, capital expenditure prioritization, and financial metrics such as net income, return on equity, and cash flows.
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial planning governance standards to optimize the overall financial planning process and ensure the strategic financial plan achieves defined objectives.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting and forecasting.
• Drive "Best Practices" by assessing ongoing effectiveness of existing business applications and technologies.
• Provide analytical support to all levels of management, including ad-hoc reporting.
• Support other stakeholder special projects and ad hoc assignments.
• Disseminate the information provided to them by their manager to ensure compliance and adherence to the goals and strategies of the organization.
• Implement the day-to-day operation and continuity of the workplace across disciplines, work environments and any given operation.
• Work collaboratively with a team, disseminate essential communications and delegate tasks and follow up items to ensure desired results while driving toward meeting deadlines.
• Prioritize assigned work and follow up with stakeholders to ensure operational effectiveness within the department.
• Involved with acclimating, assisting, developing and mentoring less experienced professionals within the department.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• health benefits package
• 401(k)
• Defined Contribution Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage
• disability
• paid time off
• life insurance
• voluntary benefits
• health and wellness programs
• learning opportunities
• work experiences to grow professionally

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior