Principal Financial Analyst

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative•Fredericksburg, VA

5d•$113,084 - $131,460•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Financial Analyst is the senior-most individual contributor on the Finance team and the organization’s subject matter expert in financial analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. The role leads complex, high-impact analytical work, including long-range financial planning, capital and financing strategy, and rate and pricing analysis, and translates findings into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Working autonomously and with broad organizational impact, the analyst establishes analytical standards and best practices, leads enterprise-wide process improvement and automation, strengthens internal controls, and mentors Finance team members. The role partners with accounting, treasury, and operational leaders to support mission-aligned decision-making and compliance with regulations, lender requirements, and internal policies. The position primarily involves desk and office work, with in-person work at the Fredericksburg, Virginia, office when requested by leadership. A hybrid schedule may be considered. The standard workweek is generally 40 hours, with some overtime required for deadlines and reporting needs. Multiple conferences during the year may require overnight travel, and the position requires 24/7 on-call availability during major storm activity. Hiring range: $113,084–$131,460. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field.
A minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, or internal controls.
Significant experience building enterprise financial models and presenting to executive leadership or a board of directors.
Expert knowledge of financial processes, key financial formulas, financial modeling techniques, and GAAP.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and organizational matters.
Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, including explaining complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences and presenting confidently to executive leadership and the Board.
Expert skill in Excel, financial modeling, and financial and reporting systems; ability to use digital tools, business intelligence platforms, and automation to streamline processes and reporting.
Superior critical thinking and analytical skills, sound independent judgment on complex and ambiguous matters, risk anticipation, and ability to develop strategic recommendations.
Ability to prioritize multiple concurrent projects and deadlines with minimal oversight while maintaining accuracy and integrity of financial data and reporting.
Ability to influence without formal authority, set direction, mentor and develop colleagues, and provide effective coaching and feedback.
Experience developing, implementing, and improving internal control frameworks and practices in collaboration with accounting and senior management.
Track record leading enterprise-wide initiatives that improve the efficiency, accuracy, and integrity of financial data and reporting.
Commitment to the cooperative model and to serving members with integrity, transparency, and sound stewardship of financial resources.
Commitment to ongoing professional learning through annual conferences, workshops, or industry seminars and sharing knowledge with the team.
Ability to work in person at the Fredericksburg, Virginia, office when requested by leadership.
Ability to work some overtime to meet deadlines and reporting needs and to be available on call 24/7 during major storm activity.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, such as an MBA or Master of Accounting.
Professional certification such as CPA, CFA, or CMA.
Experience in a utility or cooperative environment.
Working knowledge of utility or cooperative financial concepts, including rate design, margins and patronage capital, and lender covenants.

Responsibilities

Lead complex financial analyses and provide supported recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
Lead annual budgeting and multi-year forecasting, coordinating organizational inputs, setting assumptions, and aligning plans with strategic priorities and financial targets.
Design, build, and maintain enterprise financial models, including long-range plans, scenario and sensitivity analyses, and stress tests for investments, financing strategies, rate and pricing proposals, and strategic initiatives.
Analyze the financial effects of strategic decisions, major projects, and changes in operating or regulatory conditions; advise leadership on risks, trade-offs, and long-term sustainability.
Prepare, review, and present financial reports and analyses for internal and external stakeholders, including leadership, the Board, lenders, and rating agencies.
Monitor financial metrics, including margins, liquidity, leverage, and debt service coverage, and recommend corrective actions to meet targets and covenants.
Establish analytical standards, model governance, documentation, and review protocols to support accurate and consistent analysis and reporting.
Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for Financial Analysts and Financial Budget Analysts; review work and provide coaching, training, and mentoring.
Collaborate with accounting, treasury, and operational leaders to improve financial performance and align financial data, assumptions, and forecasts.
Design and maintain executive dashboards and KPI frameworks for timely, data-driven decisions.
Lead enterprise-wide process improvement and automation initiatives for accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Lead audit and compliance activities, prepare documentation, respond to auditors and regulators, and strengthen internal controls over analysis and reporting.
Resolve complex, non-routine, and ambiguous financial issues and lead cross-functional special projects assigned by the CFO organization.
Partner with operational teams to explain financial outcomes relevant to operational decisions.
Represent the Finance team on committees, project teams, and with internal and external partners.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Attend conferences as required, potentially involving overnight travel, and provide 24/7 on-call support during major storm activity.