Principal Economist en City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

We are seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented Principal FP&A Analyst to join our finance team. In this role, you’ll play a critical part in driving financial insight, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional planning across the organization. 

You will own key parts of the forecasting and budgeting process, deliver high-impact financial analysis, and support senior leadership with data-driven recommendations. Primary responsibilities include overseeing the financial forecast and associated financial planning model and supporting the development of business cases for proposed projects, programs and policies. The position reports to the Financial Planning Manager.

Position Duties

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

• Lead production of short-term and long-term financial forecasts and reporting for senior leadership and elected officials
• Oversee the Financial Planning Model and other analytical tools used for financial analysis 
• Develop key business cases and advise decision makers across the utility on business case development and decision analysis
• Conduct economic analysis related to significant capital improvement projects, operational changes, customer programs, rates, fees, and the economic impacts of new legislation, regulations, and contracts
• Assist with development of City Light’s strategic plan updates, rate cases and bond issuances

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Education: Master's Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis. (Graduate study may be replaced by four years of related professional experience. Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.)
  
Experience: Minimum of five years professional experience in economic/financial research and analysis.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills. Proficiency with reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau
• Experience with utility financial forecasting and associated models such as UI Financial Model
• Knowledge of financial statements and a general accounting concepts
• Ability to explain complex analytical results to both technical and non-technical audiences and translate analytic results into policy alternatives  
• Ability to create informative and effective visuals and presentations
• Project management: ability to oversee large projects, identifying and assigning work tasks and managing projects to completion
• Strong curiosity and a demonstrated ability to learn new skills

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Qualifications

The full salary range for this position is $61.89 to $71.79 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

*Incomplete applications will not be considered*

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.