Assistant Director, Austin Water Financial Services

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Water Financial Services

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

About Austin Water:

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles.

The utility draws water from the Colorado River into three regional water treatment plants, Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich, which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day.

Austin Water has two wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, that can receive up to 150 million gallons per day of sewage to treat. Wastewater is cleaned into high-quality effluent that is safely returned to the Colorado River to augment environmental flows. More than a billion gallons of this high-quality effluent are reclaimed each year for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other uses.

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Austin Water Financial Services

Purpose:

Under nominal direction of the Director of Austin Water (AW), this position executes as the Chief Financial Officer for Austin Water. This position has the fiduciary responsibility for administering all financial operations and proceedings for Austin Water, including financial management, budget, and accounting, and supply chain management divisions.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides overall leadership and managerial oversight of financial functions, including financial planning, operating and capital budget development, revenue and financial forecasts, utility accounting, cost of service rates, debt and cash management, rate regulatory requirements, financial reporting, procurement, warehouse and inventory management, and fleet management.
  
• Develops and monitors the utility’s operating and capital budgets and ensures action on any budget deviations or concerns.
  
• Develops and implements retail and wholesale water rates and fees, utilizing industry standard cost of service principles and methodologies for cost allocation and rate design, and submits appropriate rate filings with the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
  
• Develops monthly financial reports and communicates performance results for review by City Council, Commission, City management, Austin Water management, and stakeholders. Ensures all reporting requirements are completed in a timely manner.
  
• Implements and monitors policies and procedures to ensure financial transactions originating in Austin Water are completed in a timely manner and appropriately. Establishes and maintains internal controls, which provide assurance that City funds are safeguarded, handled appropriately, and are used efficiently.
  
• Ensures development and implementation of strategies and plans that meet customer needs, and continuously improves performance levels for Financial Management, Budget and Accounting, , and Supply Chain Management business units.
  
• Represents Austin Water’s interests in financial policy, budget, rates, debt management, , and supply chain issues at meetings with governmental/regulatory agencies, City Council, boards and commissions, City management, rating agencies, and stakeholders.
  
• Advises the Director and other executives on financial, budget, supply chain issues, and ensures functions are operating effectively and with proper internal controls to achieve the strategic initiatives and goals.
  
• Monitors water industry trends in financial services and implements best practices.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory responsibilities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting the utility.
  
• Knowledge of water municipal accounting, budgeting, financial control and forecasting methods, cost of service and rate development, supply chain, and customer service.
  
• Knowledge of all facets of the water industry with a focus on finance, accounting, supply chain, and customer service.
  
• Knowledge of water industry principles and methodologies for cost of service, cost allocation, and rate design.
  
• Knowledge of strategic business planning, reengineering, and organizational change strategies.
  
• Knowledge of municipal investments and investment optimization strategies and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of municipal water bonds: general obligation, certificates of obligation, and revenue.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in fiscal planning, developing and preparing budgets, and managing revenues and expenses.
  
• Skill in managing and allocating resources to execute operational and business plans.
  
• Skill in negotiations and conflict resolution
  
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain communication and effective working relationships with City personnel, City Council, the media, and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to Public or Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

The following are the preferred qualifications for the Assistant Director of Austin Water Financial Services:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License
  
• Utility Rate Expertise
  
• Debt Management Experience
  
• Supply Chain Management Experience, including Contract Management Experience
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in managing financial operations for utilities or governmental entities, encompassing budgeting, accounting, accounts payable, procurement card programs, forecasting, cost-of-service analysis, rate development, debt management, and regulatory compliance. Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across City departments and the community. The ideal candidate will excel at building strong, collaborative relationships with City staff and the community, and will serve as a key liaison to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager’s Office, and Water & Wastewater Commission proceedings. Proven leadership experience in a large, complex organization is highly preferred. Advanced written and verbal communication skills are imperative for this role.

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Please be sure to upload your Resume and Cover Letter for consideration.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by May 1, 2026 . To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

The salary range is $201,000 to $211,000 annually.

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.