Utility Financial Consultant I (Job #350) ($76,103 - $83,976)

Remote - New Mexico

General Purpose:

Under general supervision of the Regional Field Manager, this role assists small community water, wastewater, and solid waste systems to analyze rates, develop and manage budgets, and implement adequate internal financial controls. The Consultant works closely with utility staff, governing boards, and occasionally the general public to increase understanding of financial best practices and implement sustainable utility practices. Additionally, the Consultant prepares and delivers classroom and individual trainings as needed to build the capacity of local partners.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the needs of our clients, with an emphasis on financial management.
• Build technical, managerial, and/or financial capacity at small utilities.
• Manage relationships with client communities and utilities.
• Help clients access financial resources to address drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste needs.
• Recommend and implement solutions, including rate recommendations.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships to maximize limited resources.
• Develop, prepare, and deliver group and one-on-one trainings.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Prepare activity and outcome reports as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

No supervision exercised.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EQUIVALENT: Combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.
• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.
• EXPERIENCE: One to three years of applicable experience in nonprofit accounting or fund accounting, municipal or utility financial management or other closely related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Candidates with less than the minimum combination of experience and education are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a Trainee-level position (Grade 9, salary range $70,775 - $76,342)

Candidates with additional experience, education and/or qualifications may be considered for Utility Financial Consultant II (Grade 11, salary range $85,670 - $92,408). A Utility Financial Consultant II is responsible for all the duties listed above with minimal oversight and will be expected to handle more complex tasks than a Utility Financial Consultant I. A typical qualifying combination for the Utility Financial Consultant II positions would be:

Experience:

Seven years of applicable experience in nonprofit accounting or fund accounting, municipal or utility financial management or other closely related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues. Or equivalent combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth understanding of utility rates, internal controls, and financial operations of small water and wastewater systems
• Familiarity with public resources and funding opportunities that support community water and wastewater projects
• Knowledge of rural and tribal community cultures, values, and social norms, with sensitivity to local dynamics
• Skills
• Skilled in facilitation, mediation, and meeting management to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts
• Proficient in using personal computers, cloud-based platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and QuickBooks
• Experienced with video conferencing platforms for remote communication and training delivery
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to manage complex projects and competing priorities
• Competent in database management and maintaining accurate records
• Exceptional customer service skills with a focus on professionalism and responsiveness
• Skilled in mentoring and training colleagues to enhance team capacity and performance
• Abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and operate efficiently with minimal supervision
• Capable of designing and delivering participant-centered trainings and workshops
• Strong problem-solving and innovation skills to troubleshoot challenges and implement effective solutions
• Skilled in creating, composing, and editing professional written materials
• Able to make sound administrative and procedural decisions using critical thinking and judgment
• Proficient in gathering data, compiling information, and preparing comprehensive reports
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and efficiently
  
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills, including active listening and professional interaction
• Ability to build and maintain respectful relationships across diverse cultural and organizational backgrounds
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion
• Skilled in analyzing complex situations and determining appropriate courses of action
• Reliable in meeting strict timelines and managing competing demands

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience and familiarity with rural and Tribal community dynamics
• Certified Management Accountant certification
• Bilingual in languages spoken in our client communities (including, but not limited to Spanish, Navajo, Yup'ik, Salish)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel is required, including regular visits to remote rural and Indigenous communities that may lack cell service and other modern amenities.

RCAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employees and job applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, or any other status protected by law. RCAC strives to reflect the diverse constituencies that the organization serves.