Senior Business and Financial Manager

Appalachian State University•Boone, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

New River Light and Power (NRLP) is an electric utility with an annual budget of approximately $24 million, serving over 9,000 customers in the Boone community, including App State. This position serves as the primary financial and business operations administrator for NRLP, providing strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the utility’s accounting, financial management, customer operations, budgeting, regulatory compliance, procurement, inventory, and administrative functions. The role is a key advisor to executive leadership on financial strategy, operational planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and organizational risk management, ensuring adherence to University, State, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requirements.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Accounting, Finance or a degree closely related to the area of assignment.
Twelve hours of accrual accounting credits.
Three years of professional accounting experience, of which at least one is supervisory.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Person of high character and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of five years of extensive, professional accrual accounting experience, of which at least one is supervisory.
Experience in a utility or similar work environment, preferably electric.
CPA or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a degree closely related to the area of assignment.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Ability to evaluate and recommend policy and procedures as it relates to the business functions of NRLP.
Strong accounting and financial skills.

Responsibilities

Direct oversight and administration of the utility’s approximately $24 million operating and capital budget, including budget development, expenditure monitoring, financial forecasting, variance analysis, and long-range financial planning.
Provide leadership and administrative direction in the development of processes, procedures, and systems for successful NRLP business and financial operations.
Oversee accounting functions and financial systems, including financial reporting, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, cost accounting, inventory management, payroll, contract and grant accounting, and internal control.
Supervise and manage customer service, accounting, and warehouse/inventory personnel, including workflow coordination, performance management, training, operational oversight, and process improvement.
Serve as the principal financial and business advisor to the General Manager/senior management regarding utility operations, financial planning, budgeting, regulatory impacts, capital projects, and organizational strategy.
Perform financial modeling, forecasting, and long-range financial analysis to support operational and capital planning initiatives.
Oversee the development and implementation of financial, accounting, and business operational policies and practices.
Research, analyze, and address problems of significant fiscal or business impact.
Analyze operational and financial trends and recommend strategic actions to improve efficiency, cost management, and financial sustainability.
Direct the development and oversight of internal control systems to safeguard utility assets and ensure financial integrity.
Evaluate financial, operational, and compliance risks and implement corrective actions or procedural improvements.
Participate in executive-level planning and operational decision-making impacting utility operations and customer services.
Act as the primary interface with Appalachian State Finance and Operations and Internal Audits departments.
Maintain Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting and compliance with the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) and other regulatory agency rules and policy.
Interpret and apply utility accounting standards, regulatory reporting requirements, and financial compliance regulations.
Coordinate and oversee the preparation of regulatory reports, financial filings, rate-related financial analysis, and external reporting requirements.
Oversee financial administration of utility capital projects, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, project cost analysis, capitalization, financial reporting, and contract compliance.
Monitor capital improvement project activity for financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment with operational and strategic objectives.
Oversee activities of purchasing.
Plan and coordinate internal and external audits and resolve audit questions.
Establish and maintain all customer, financial, and accounting systems for the utility, including vendor contracts, changes, enhancements, disputes, and resolutions.
Serve as the key contact for reporting data to the NCUC, Energy Information Administration (EIA), and outside consultants, particularly regarding annual reports, purchase power adjustment, and rates.
Oversee planning, coordinating, and supervising the preparation of the utility budget.
Collect and analyze budget estimates and requests.
Manage and monitor overall spending.
Manage customer accounts, billing, and payment.
Monitor invoicing and debt collection.
Conduct on-going and special management studies.
Maintain successful working relationships with colleagues, customers, administrators, and administrators affected by the business operations.