Nbu Utilities Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Position Summary The Director of Financial Services will serve as a strategic leader for New Braunfels Utilities (“NBU”), responsible for safeguarding the organization’s fiscal integrity, ensuring energy portfolio compliance and risk mitigation, and securing long-term financial resilience. The role specifically oversees the Accounting, Energy Risk and Settlements, and Purchasing departments, ensuring alignment of these functions to NBU’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable utility services to the community. This role is responsible for overseeing enterprise-wide financial strategy and compliance with policies and regulations. The Director provides high-level analytical and strategic insight to executive leadership, supports Board and regulatory reporting, and ensures all financial, energy, and procurement policies reflect industry best practices and evolving market conditions. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional technical and leadership acumen, combining strategic financial expertise with a deep understanding of energy markets. Core competencies include financial strategy development, quantitative risk analysis, complex contract valuation, and regulatory compliance under ERCOT, PUCT, FERC, and GASB frameworks. The Director also demonstrates mastery in data analytics, financial systems integration (e.g. ERP/ETRMS implementations), and internal controls, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and efficiency across all financial operations. This role demands a forward-looking leader who can bridge financial governance with operational performance. The Director must be adept at cross-functional collaboration, influencing executive decision-making, and presenting complex financial and market insights to technical and non-technical audiences alike – including the CFO, CEO, NBU’s Board of Trustees, and the New Braunfels City Council. By fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, the Director of Financial Services strengthens NBU’s financial resilience, supports strategic capital planning, and enhances NBU’s standing among top-performing utilities in the industry. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Focus:Prioritize the overall needs of the organization and customers from a fiscal perspective and link them to NBU's strategic plan. Set strategic direction on financial, contract, and energy risk tolerance for the organization as a whole and put mitigation measures in place to protect NBU. Utilize critical decision-making at all times, including the ability to process relevant information and commit to a definitive course of action. Remain knowledgeable regarding ever-changing regulatory landscapes by attending relevant training/webinars and participating in associations/committees that ultimately impact rulemaking (GFOA/ERCOT/TPPA/GCPA). Protect NBU through prudent financial controls and policies. Adapt policies as needed to provide tools required to navigate changing markets and provide stability. When needed, be strong in conviction and commitment in order to safeguard NBU. Seek out personal and professional growth opportunities. Look for innovative solutions in order to protect customers from price volatility. Attend all departmental meetings necessary to support consistency and leadership on a continuing basis. Provide ongoing reporting and education to the CFO on complex subjects. Management/Supervision Responsibilities:Supervise the Accounting, Energy Risk and Settlements, and Purchasing departments. Provide cohesive direction, leadership, guidance, counseling, and mentoring to the manager and staff. Encourage employee engagement by building strong trusting relationships and implementing company initiatives around the employee experience. Create motivational goals with direct reports and staff.Monitor and evaluate the performance of personnel to ensure that established NBU procedures and policies are enforced, achievements are recognized, performance standards are met, and professional growth opportunities are made available.Identify and offer training opportunities for staff to create an engaged and knowledgeable workforce and foster continuous growth and development.Identify key issues for escalation and make appropriate decisions within authority limits otherwise.Articulate complex issues in a clear, concise manner with a high level of confidence.Effectively communicate, both up and down the organization, in order to create a fully functional team.Create and present professional communications in verbal, visual, and written format for both internal and external use.Navigate frequently changing priorities and balance multiple projects at a time.Demonstrate attention to detail in all tasks and maintain high level of organization.Manage challenges and conflicts successfully, yielding a productive, positive, and wholesome work environment.Accomplish financial objectives by reviewing and monitoring annual O&M, capital, and personnel budgets; authorizing departmental expenditures; analyzing variances; and initiating corrective actions (if necessary).Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking state-of-the-art practices and participating in professional societies within the industry.Sincere relationship trust skills with direct reports. Accounting:Oversee all accounting operations, including but not limited to, the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets.Coordinate account reconciliations and analyses as directed (bank, subsidiary, general ledger, fixed assets, etc.).Ensure the accuracy of financial data and proper recording of all transactions in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.Support and supervise monthly close process.Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.Analyze financial data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies, and make recommendations for action.Coordinate with external auditors for the annual audit process and address any audit findings.Develop and implement financial policies and procedures across departments to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).Contribute to strategic planning by providing relevant financial analysis and recommendations.Assess and manage financial risks, implementing risk management strategies as needed.Direct ongoing work process assessments and identify and implement improvements to policies, procedures, internal controls, and tools that realize greater operating efficiencies.Collaborate within the CFO line of business in the assessment and implementation of systemic business process improvements that promote greater efficiency and enhance internal controls.Serve as project manager for Enterprise Resource Planning Software Implementation.Build a highly effective, professionally developed team through training and mentoring.Complete additional tasks or special projects as required. Energy Risk and Settlements:Review monthly and quarterly reports and presentations for various stakeholder groups within NBU, including the Risk Oversight Committee (ROC) and the Board of Trustees (Board).Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local legal requirements by researching existing and new legislation.Monitor and report compliance on Energy Risk Management and Credit Risk Management policies to ROC and Board.Serve as a member of NBU's ROC and assist in preparations for monthly meetings (and other deliverables as necessary/requested).Work with Power Supply Director to set strategic direction of NBU's Power Supply Program.Establish project priority for Power Supply Group and team members.Serve a sponsoring/supporting role in projects undertaken by the Power Supply Group and recommend a course of action based on thorough impact analysis. Monitor NBU’s credit position with ERCOT as well as with counterparties and conduct collateral calls as necessary.Coordinate on a daily basis with other departments, including Power Supply, Accounting and Finance.Oversee NBU’s QSE function at ERCOT as it relates to Energy Risk and Settlements, including daily settlements with ERCOT.Forecast and monitor NBU’s generation and transmission cost recovery factors.Conduct updates to NBU electric rate design and any relevant cost of service studies as needed.Manage contract origination and facilitate contract upkeep with approved counterparties and any other third-party contracts.Facilitate and manage projects and relationships with external consultants and legal counsel. Ensure continued education and appropriate cross training for Power Supply Group members.Review submission of NBU’s annual Earnings Monitoring Reports with PUCT.Coordinate NBU’s Transmission Cost of Service (TCOS) filings with PUCT.Provide requested documentation to external auditors and assist in development of Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as it relates to the Power Supply Group.Respond to requests from ratings agencies, which requires abrupt attention and swift response.Identify the need for and assist in the implementation of process improvements on a continual basis. Ensure that all procedures are documented sufficiently and that such documentation stays updated over time as procedures, systems, etc. change. Complete additional tasks or special projects as required. Large Loads:Co-lead the planning, development, and execution of large load integration projects within the utility service territory.Manage any third-party consultants enlisted to assist in developing defensible processes and procedures for NBU to evaluate large load projects.Develop and control the integrated project schedule, resource plan, budget, and risk register; monitor progress, track milestones, and report earned value.Serve as primary liaison among large‐customer, internal departments (engineering, finance, legal, etc.), and external agencies; prepare status reports and present to executive leadership.Oversee credit evaluation and financial assurance requirements for large-load customers, including credit reviews, collateral instruments (letters of credit, deposits, guarantees), and ongoing exposure monitoring to protect the utility from default risk.Develop and implement financial and contractual safeguards in interconnection and service agreements, ensuring appropriate cost recovery, construction contributions (CIAC), and billing provisions aligned with ERCOT settlement timelines.Coordinate with power supply and energy risk teams to assess and mitigate wholesale market exposure resulting from large-load additions, adjusting hedging strategies and monitoring ERCOT settlement impacts.Lead financial modeling and reporting for large-load integration projects, including rate and cost-of-service analysis, long-term revenue forecasting, and quarterly reporting of credit exposure and financial performance to executive leadership. Purchasing:Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of the Purchasing department, ensuring procurement activities support organizational goals, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls that ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and ethical standards, while promoting transparency and accountability.Oversee all procurement activities, including competitive solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs), contract negotiations, vendor selection, and contract administration, ensuring best value, risk mitigation, and lifecycle cost effectiveness.Collaborate with executive leadership and operational departments to align procurement strategies with capital planning, operating budgets, project timelines, and long-term organizational priorities.Lead supplier relationship management efforts, including performance monitoring, dispute resolution, and development of strategic vendor partnerships that enhance service quality, reliability, and cost control.Ensure effective coordination between Purchasing, Finance, Accounting, and operational teams to strengthen fiscal controls, improve process efficiency, and support accurate financial reporting and audit readiness.Oversee procurement risk management, including contract risk allocation, insurance requirements, bonding, and compliance with credit, financial, and legal standards.Drive continuous improvement initiatives within Purchasing by evaluating processes, leveraging technology, and implementing best practices to improve cycle times, customer service, and cost savings.Develop, mentor, and evaluate Purchasing staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and service to internal stakeholders.Support organizational transparency by providing clear reporting and analysis on procurement activity, contract commitments, vendor performance, and cost trends to executive leadership and governing bodies as needed. General Responsibilities:Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines or negatively affect direct reports' ability to do their jobs when applicable.Adhere to NBU safety guidelines and practices at all times and in all situations.Maintain a clean and safe work area, office, field site and vehicle as applicable.Maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents.Develop and maintain effective customer service skills for communications with co-workers, customers and the public in general.Adhere to NBU policies and procedures and exemplify NBU’s Core Values Participate in and support initiatives to reach NBU's Strategic Goals. Formal Education and Work Experience Requirements Degree/Diploma Obtained: Bachelors Work Experience Time Frame: Ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible financial experience, with at least five (5) years in a leadership role. Field of Study: Energy/Business/Accounting/Finance or Related Degree Other Minimum QualificationsDeep knowledge of GAAP.Strong analytical and mathematical skills to interpret complex data.Keen attention to detail is a must.Strong organizational and time management skills.Experience working with municipalities preferred.Demonstrates respect, flexibility, and tact; excellent listening, reasoning, and negotiating skills.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.