Vice President of Finance in Fairfield, CT

POSITION TITLE: Vice President of Finance (Utility Industry Experience Preferred)

SPECIFICATION NUMBER: 69892CRI

LOCATION: Fairfield County, Connecticut

COMPENSATION: Base salary $250,000 - (Based on experience or Market Rate) + Bonus

COMPANY: Our client is a leader in the Utility Industry.

BROAD FUNCTION:

The Vice President of Finance reports directly to the President of our client’s firm and is responsible for Accounting (payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, accounts payable, fixed asset reporting and general ledger controls); Rates & Regulatory, Procurement, Taxes, Business Development (mergers and acquisitions) and Homeowners Warranty Program. The Vice President of Finance has a dotted line reporting relationship to our client’s parent company counterparts to ensure consistency of financial reporting, alignment of regulatory initiatives, leverage of purchasing strengths as well as coordination of business development strengths and opportunities.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES & ACTIVITIES:

§ Responsible for directing all financial activities, ensuring that the appropriate financial policies, procedures, controls, and accounting practices are implemented throughout the Company.

§ Responsible for regulatory affairs including rate case strategy and process (applications and case coordination), WICA applications, management of dockets to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and monitoring of industry trends as they relate to utility ratemaking. Align with parent company to ensure conformity.

§ Responsible for procurement policy, procedures, polices and systems and supply chain. Align with parent company resources to ensure alignment and maximize economies of scale.

§ Responsible for Risk Management process in coordination with parent company leadership team.

§ Responsible for tax planning, compliance and operational tax issues. Aligns directly with parent company tax function.

§ Responsible for growth initiative in the regulated Water Utility space, which includes establishing strategy, goals and business initiatives. Leverage parent company leadership and resources to assist with growth opportunities.

§ Responsible for Homeowner’s Warranty Program nonregulated business including operational and growth initiatives.

§ Leads, motivates and develops a diverse, high performing management team that focuses on accountability, customer service excellence, employee engagement, safety and process improvement.

§ Maintains a deep knowledge of the water industry and regulatory developments impacting the Company.

§ Develops, sustains and influences relationships with key partners and stakeholders and acts as a contact for important stakeholders (regulatory, governmental) in order to build trust, credibility and confidence with our client.

KNOW HOW:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior management role financial executive management experience.
• Finance or Business degree mandatory, an advanced management degree and CPA is preferred.
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Utility Industry experience preferred and ideally Water Utility.
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented.
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, board of directors and other key constituents.

PROBLEM SOLVING:

Most situations are complex and non-recurring, and the scope of the position would demand that the incumbent exercise high-level business problem-solving and independent, executive business judgment on an ongoing basis.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Position reports directly to the President of our client and directly supervises staff of six professional employees. Our client has on overall operating budget of approximately $220M and capital budget of $130M. Our client is one the largest investor-owned water utilities in the U.S. and services customers in CT, MA, NH & RI.