Description

Join our Finance Team!

We are seeking a qualified Budget and Fiscal Manager to lead key financial functions for Highlands Ranch Water and the Highlands Ranch Metro District. This position is responsible for overseeing financial planning and analysis, including development and management of the annual budget, long-range financial forecasting, strategic planning, and financial reporting for both organizations.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience in public sector finance, and a collaborative approach to working across departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Budget, Financial Planning and Analysis

• Responsible for initiating and implementing sound budgetary practices to manage all budgeting functions of the districts and maintain awareness of developments in the fields of budgeting, forecasting, public administration and public financial management.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate completion of both Districts’ Annual Budgets in conformity with state laws, regulatory agencies, and government budgeting best practices.
• Responsible for managing the day-to-day budget activities of the Finance department.
• Responsible for ensuring that District policies pertaining to budgeting are implemented and enforced, making recommendations, and implementing changes as appropriate.
• Prepares financial recommendations and suggestions for cost containment and/or revenue enhancement.
• Creates and analyzes budget reports, spreadsheets, and financial statements including multi-year financial plans for all funds.
• Ability to prepare and analyze rate models to formulate rate recommendations along with an understanding of property tax.
• Coordinates meetings with department directors and key personnel to review, evaluate and support development of department budgets, generate innovative and cost-effective programs, and provide tools to assist departments in monitoring budgets throughout the year.
• Responsible for monitoring of current-year budgets by fund, by department, by division, and by cost center for the purpose of maintaining budget control.
• Analyzes fiscal trends and develops financial projections; responsible for recommending and implementing solutions; problem solving on behalf of any department or division, and ad hoc reporting. 
• Provides support and training on the budget process and systems.
• Responsible for preparation of annual capital improvements budget, working with the Director, Finance and Administration; General Manager; Directors of other departments; and Project Managers.
• Periodic attendance and public engagement at board meetings and study sessions will be required.
• Other special projects as assigned.

Financial Reporting 

• Assists the Accounting Manager in preparing aspects of the annual comprehensive financial report as assigned.
• Prepares annual and quarterly financial statements.
• Assembles quarterly Finance Workshop packages that include:
  • Operating budget-to-actual comparisons,
  • Work in progress summaries of Capital budget appropriations compared to actuals,
  • Reports on revenue collections including property taxes and development fees, and 
  • Reports on water and wastewater revenue and expenses as needed.
  • Performs other periodic financial studies and analyses.

Capital Asset Management

• Prepares annual updates of the capital improvements plan.
• Provides assistance to departments with the preparation of board communications, including review of financials for compliance with capital improvement plan and budget documents.
• Monitors monthly activity for capital projects and provides updates for cash management.
• Maintains capital project reconciliation for appropriations and expenses and prepares rescission worksheets as needed.

Investment and Debt Management 

• Assists with the preparation of detailed cash flow forecasts for both operating and capital projects.
• Prepares bank transfers in the absence of the Revenue and Asset Manager.
• Responsible for management of debt and bond issuance including compliance and reporting, debt disclosures, arbitrage calculations, and rating reviews.

Desired Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, finance or a closely related field; and
• Five (5) years of accounting / finance / budget experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of governmental theories, principles and best practices of government budget and accounting; considerable knowledge of internal control procedures and management information systems; considerable knowledge of office automation and computerized financial applications; working knowledge of budgetary, accounting and reporting systems, GAAFR, GAAP and GASB.
• Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports.
• Ability to maintain efficient and effective financial systems and procedures.
• Working knowledge of contracts and legal agreements.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with complex verbal and written instructions.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, supervisors, external agencies, program participants, instructors, community leaders, and the public.
• Follow through on assigned tasks and exercise sound independent judgment when completing responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience with, or ability to learn, creating digital content in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, etc., in alignment with current Colorado accessibility rules.
• Represent the Districts in a professional manner and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally.
• Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment.

Supervision Received
This position is under the direct supervision of the Director of Finance and Administration.

Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computers, including Microsoft Windows, Office 365, spreadsheet and database software, web-based software systems, calculator, desk and cell phone, MFP copier/scanner, general office and breakroom equipment, etc.

Work Schedule
This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, typically 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday in the office. A flexible schedule may be considered. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear; use hand to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office type setting.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Selection Guidelines
Formal application and resume, rating of education and experience; panel interview and reference check; job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Pre-employment screening includes illegal substance screening, background, and motor vehicle record check.

About Us
The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more. We have been recognized as Colorado's District of the Year by the Special District Association of Colorado!

Highlands Ranch Water has provided water and wastewater services to Highlands Ranch residential and commercial customers for more than three decades. We strive to ensure that our water resources are used wisely. Highlands Ranch Water’s strategy is to optimize the use of surface water. Over the past 25 years, approximately 80 percent of the water supplied has come from renewable river supplies.

Our Benefits
We prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!
       100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums

       100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums

       100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums

       100% contribution match for the pension plan

       Up to 6% employer contribution for the optional retirement plan

Work/life Balance! 
       80 hours of earned vacation per year, increasing after 5 years

       80 hours of annual sick leave

       32 hours of annual personal leave

       10 paid holidays

       200 hours of medical leave with certification

Wellness & Improvement!
       Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families.

       Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.

       Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement.

       Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee. 

Saving, Planning & Other!
       Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.

       Generous stipend for personal cell phone.

       Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services.

Application Information
Pre-employment screening includes a background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record review.

We will be accepting applications until the position is filled and for a minimum of three weeks.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing this posting from our career center, click "Apply" below.