Utility Financial Services Manager

Description Lead the Financial Future of a Growing City Utility Enterprise The City of Loveland is seeking an exceptional Utility Financial Services Manager to help shape the future of one of Colorado's most diverse and innovative utility organizations. This is more than a finance leadership role—it is an opportunity to influence critical community services, modernize financial operations, and help guide long-term decisions that impact more than 80,000 residents and businesses. With responsibility for financial stewardship of Water, Wastewater, Power, and Pulse Broadband operations, you'll oversee an enterprise budget exceeding $400 million while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, governing boards, and City Council. Why This Opportunity Stands Out Loveland Utilities is built on a remarkable foundation: employees who are deeply committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and high-quality services to the community. The pride, professionalism, and dedication of our workforce are evident in everything we do. At the same time, we're entering an exciting new chapter. Fresh energy, a growing appetite for innovation, and a commitment to a "One City" mindset are creating opportunities to rethink longstanding practices and build modern systems that will serve our community for decades to come. For the right leader, this role offers a rare chance to leave a lasting impact. Your Opportunity to Lead Transformation Over the next several years, you'll be at the center of some of the Utility's most important strategic initiatives, including: Modernizing and transforming the annual budget development process in partnership with the City's Budget and Consultant teams Implementing a multi-year financial process improvement roadmap Advancing long-range financial planning and enterprise rate strategies Building sophisticated forecasting models, dashboards, and decision-support tools Strengthening financial governance, transparency, and organizational accountability Helping shape the Utility's long-term financial sustainability strategy We're Looking for a Leader Who Brings Strategic Financial Leadership You can see beyond today's budget cycle and develop financial strategies that support long-term sustainability, affordability, infrastructure investment, and operational excellence. Utility or Government Finance Expertise You understand the complexities of enterprise funds, utility operations, public-sector finance, rate design, capital planning, debt management, and regulatory considerations. Advanced Analytical and Modeling Skills You enjoy turning complex data into actionable insights and building forecasting models that support confident decision-making. Proven Change Management Leadership You have successfully led modernization efforts, improved business processes, and guided organizations through meaningful transformation. Collaborative Communication and Stakeholder Engagement You can translate technical financial information into clear, actionable recommendations for executives, boards, elected officials, and operational leaders. The Impact You'll Have As Utility Financial Services Manager, you'll serve as the principal financial advisor for a complex organization that provides essential infrastructure services to the community. You'll influence major decisions involving: Long-range financial planning Utility rates and affordability Capital investment strategies Revenue forecasting Financial reporting and transparency Process improvement and modernization Team development and organizational performance Most importantly, you'll help ensure the financial strength and sustainability of services that our community depends on every day. If you're energized by complex challenges, inspired by public service, and excited about helping an organization modernize and evolve, we'd love to hear from you. Job Summary: The Utility Financial Services Manager serves as the strategic financial leader for the City’s utility enterprises, including Water, Wastewater, Power, and Broadband (Pulse). This position provides expert-level financial stewardship and directs Utility Financial Services by leading enterprise-wide financial planning, rate design, long range modeling, revenue forecasting, financial reporting, and modernization of the annual budget process and accounting practices. The role is responsible for building advanced analytical capabilities, strengthening financial governance and internal controls, and elevating transparency and financial discipline across all utility operations. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management of an annual budget exceeding $300 million and provides expert advice to the department’s executive level leadership. Responsibilities include close collaboration City finance leadership and operating divisions to align financial strategy with service reliability, capital investment, regulatory requirements, and long-term sustainability. This position regularly presents financial insights, trends, enterprise level risks, and strategic recommendations related to rate design and long-term financial health to the Loveland Utilities Commission the Loveland Communications Advisory Board, City Council, and other internal and external stakeholders. This is a full-time exempt position. The salary range for this position is $115,390.70 - $167,316.66 annually with a hiring range of $115,390.70 - $141,353.68 , depending on qualifications and experience. This opportunity will be available to applicants until Monday June 30, 2026, 12:00 P.M. M.S.T. A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred. Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust Collaboration, Innovation Safety Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City. Essential Functions: Strategic Financial Leadership and Advisory Serve as the principal financial advisor to Utility leadership on long‑term financial sustainability, risk management, affordability, and major strategic initiatives for a complex organization providing critical infrastructure services to the community. Lead development and stewardship of multi‑year financial plans incorporating operating cost trajectories, capital investment plans, reserve policies, debt strategies, and rate projections aligned with long term service and infrastructure needs Ability to analyze financial trends and translate them into actionable insights Budgeting and Forecasting Modernization Development of the annual Utilities Department budget, currently estimated to exceed $300 million Transform and modernize the annual budget development process to improve accuracy, transparency, efficiency, and cross‑department collaboration Implement rolling forecasts, quarterly financial outlooks, and enhanced variance analysis practices supported by enterprise KPIs and performance dashboards Rate Strategy and Affordability Direct cost‑of‑service studies, rate design, long-term revenue and operating and capital forecasting, and updates to fees and charges for department services, in collaboration with division managers and the department’s executive leadership. Evaluate economic conditions, industry specific and regulatory considerations, and growth‑related drivers to develop sustainable long‑range rate strategies in coordination with Utility Divisions Present financial scenarios and affordability impacts to the Loveland Utilities Commission the Loveland Communications Advisory Board, City Council and other internal and external stakeholders in clear, accessible and decision ready formats Analytics, Reporting, and Decision Support In coordination with Utility leadership, build and maintain, short and long-term financial forecasting, advanced financial models, benchmarking tools, and analytical dashboards that strengthen decision‑making across utility operations Enhance the clarity, relevance and quality of internal and external financial reports, including public communications and governance presentations Process Improvement and Change Management Lead development and implementation of process improvements across financial workflows, systems, and organizational practices to increase efficiency and internal control. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and guide staff through evolving expectations, technologies, and business processes Governance, Controls, and Compliance Strengthen internal controls and ensure adherence to accounting standards, utility and city specific accounting practices, rate methodologies, and City financial policies Audit coordination and financial compliance Oversee year‑end closing processes and provide all utility financial information required for the City’s ACFR, audits, and regulatory reporting Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency Prepare and present financial briefings to utility Boards and Commissions, advisory boards, customers, and City Council to support transparent and informed decision making Collaborate with the City’s Budget Office, CFO, Treasury, and other departments on cross‑functional financial initiatives and enterprise priorities Partner with Utilities leadership, providing consistent and transparent messaging for the department. Team Leadership and Talent Development Select, train, supervise, and develop Utility Financial Services staff Direct, oversee and assist with the payroll processing, accounts payable processing and miscellaneous accounts receivable processing for the Utilities Direct, oversee and assist with the analysis and issuance of revenue bonds and internal loans for Utilities Establish clear expectations, performance measures, and professional development plans to support staff growth and accountability. Build a high‑performance, inclusive, service‑oriented team culture focused on excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement. Other Job Functions: Maintain working knowledge of governmental, utility, and FERC accounting principles; rate design and financial planning practices; and broadband/ISP financial trends. Participate in emergency operations training (NIMS) and support financial functions during emergency response as required. Ongoing engagement with industry organizations such as APPA, AWWA, WEF, and broadband associations. Performs other duties as assigned. Job Level and Management Expectations: Oversees a division within a department and responsible for recommending, monitoring and managing the division budget and goals to align with senior leadership objectives. Provides leadership of division and typically at least 2nd level supervision to professional, technical, and skilled employees to assure accountability to department and organizational goals and objectives. Functions as advisor to and typically reports directly to a department director or deputy/assistant director, sets goals and objectives for team members to achieve operational results. Provides guidance, analyzes, and resolves department issues and ensures effective communication across all levels of supervision. Interprets policies and exercises independent judgment and decision making within department. Makes personnel decisions related to hiring, performance, or disciplinary actions. Champions and embodies the company's mission, vision, values, and culture. Qualifications: Education: Required: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration or a closely related field. Preferred: Graduate Degree: MBA or MPA. An equivalent combination of education and or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year for year basis. Experience: Required: 7 years p rogressively responsible in finance or accounting, preferably in utility or governmental environments. Required: 5 years' experience in the following: Supervisory/leadership in a management or senior level role. Proven budgeting, financial modeling, rate analysis, process improvement, and presenting to executive audiences or elected bodies. Governmental and utility rate design, and regulatory compliance. Preferred e xperience includes: Governmental and utility accounting standards, cost- of- service studies. ERP or financial system implementation, business intelligence tools, and data analytics. Knowledge of both competitive and non-competitive not-for-profit business models Utility revenue bonds or debt portfolio management. Certifications: Preferred: Professional certifications such as CPA, CPFO, CGFM or CMA Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strategic financial planning, advanced financial modeling, scenario analysis, and enterprise risk evaluation. Deep knowledge of governmental, utility, and FERC accounting standards. Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems and business‑intelligence tools. Strong process‑improvement and change‑management capabilities with the ability to modernize financial systems and workflows. Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences, including executive leaders, governing bodies and public stakeholders Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills to work across departments and with external partners. Ability to manage multiple enterprise priorities in a dynamic fast-changing operating environment. Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Frequent: Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal. Working Environment: Frequent: Exposure to routine office noise and equipment. Occasional: Exposure to hazards typically found in general office environments where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident. This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes: Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children) A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center Discounted Chilson Center passes Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave Flexible spending including Dependent Care Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program Voluntary 529 College Invest program Tuition Reimbursement Employee Referral Program Personal and Professional Development opportunities Employee Recognition Program Exceptional work-life balance Market based pay & regular performance reviews Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate. The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information. Hybrid Remote Work Eligibility This position may be eligible for up to two days per week working remotely. Probationary employees (within the first six months of employment) may not be eligible. Subject to change based on business needs and performance expectations. Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a criminal history background check. Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Required Bachelors or better in Accounting or related field. Experience Required 5 years: Proven experience in budgeting, financial modeling, rate analysis, process improvement, and presenting to executive audiences or elected bodies. 5 years: Supervisory or leadership experience in a management or senior‑level role. 7 years: Progressively responsible finance or accounting experience, preferably in utility or governmental environments.