Business Financial Planning & Risk Analyst

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This position is posted at multiple levels. Please see the job description below for more details.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide in depth business analysis for broad range of financial and business issues. Promote sound business decisions in the areas of budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, and risk management in support of Energy Northwest-wide business requirements.  Monitor customer business practices for compliance with Energy Northwest business and financial policies. Monitor business processes to ensure sound business and financial controls are instituted. Ensure that cost and budget practices conform with generally accepted accounting principles, industry standards and contractual requirements. Respond to budgetary and financial challenges while being proactive to addressing business needs.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

An ideal candidate for this position would possess strong technical accounting expertise, with a deep understanding of complex cost accounting methodologies and the ability to apply these principles to real-world business scenarios. They should have substantial experience working with advanced Excel functionality, including the ability to manage large datasets, create complex financial models, and analyze variances effectively. They would also be proficient in Workday Financials and Adaptive Planning software, leveraging these tools to drive accurate financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting.

In addition to technical proficiency, the ideal candidate would demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling them to clearly present complex financial information to diverse audiences, from department managers to senior leadership. They should be detail-oriented, ensuring all financial reporting is accurate, thorough, and aligns with industry standards, GAAP, and contractual requirements.

They should be able to independently develop, coordinate, and execute business and financial controls, particularly in budget development and monitoring, while proactively identifying and addressing risks. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as the candidate will need to analyze cost performance, recommend corrective actions, and ensure sound business and financial practices are followed. Their ability to collaborate effectively across the organization will be crucial for success in this role.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsible for leading with minimal supervision the development, coordination, tracking and execution, to include:

• Business and financial control of corporate budget development and budget change management, staffing control and reporting, and senior management financial reporting.

• Develop and monitor organizational cost performance vs. budget by analyzing variances and cost trends, and developing recommendations for corrective actions. Provide monthly financial summaries to supported managers and projects

• Recommend corrective action as appropriate to recover cost and schedule to established baselines.

• Maintenance, improvement, and monitoring of the Columbia Station (CGS) Long-range Plan (LRP) used to determine Capital and Expense projects that populate the LRP in accordance with procedure requirements. This may also include the LRP for corporate and ESD. 

• Ensure key risks related to these activities have been identified and compensating internal controls are in place and institutionalized.

• Understanding of Change Management process

• Intrapersonal/Interpersonal proactive collaboration within department and external customers

• Exhibit leadership qualities and demonstrated proficiencies in leading a team initiative or project

• Perform special assignments using knowledge gained through experience and education.  Conduct benchmarking studies for business-related issues.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• Understanding of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Demonstrated focus on developing quality work products with limited oversight and effective at validating expectations.

• Strong presentation and communication skills and the ability to handle oneself professionally and credibly with audiences from department managers to senior leaders. This will require fielding questions and will often require presentations.