Chief Financial Officer

This is a senior executive level position with fiduciary responsibility for administering all financial proceedings of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB). Provides internal and external leadership and overall direction for all financial services, including the following assigned divisions and their respective departments: Finance Division, Customer Service and Information Technology Division, and Environmental Services Division. Working directly under the General Manager & CEO, develops and implements the mission of the utility. 

Plans, negotiates, organizes, directs and guides the management of all utility finance functions to ensure the adequacy and reliability of the utility’s combined systems. Leads the development and execution of the utility’s strategic mission and business plan initiatives. Provides leadership on strategies, goals, and objectives identified in the BPUB Strategic Plan. Advocates organization and stakeholder change related to the utility’s mission. Recommends, develops, and supports the implementation of new business initiatives and opportunities for the organization to achieve its business objectives. Certifies as to the availability of funds for all expenditures and ensures that no appropriation is encumbered and no expenditure is made unless certified by the CFO that there is an unencumbered balance in the appropriation and funds are available. Submits to the Board of Directors through the General Manager & CEO a monthly statement of revenues and expenses in sufficient detail to show the exact financial condition of the utility. Oversees the development of cost of service and rate studies to meet bond ordinance requirements. Ensures compliance with Federal, state, and local requirements in connection with the issuance of debt obligations. Oversees the development of fiscal budgets for all utility departments. At the end of the fiscal year, oversees the preparation of a complete financial statement and report for submission to the Board of Directors. Formulates policies and planning recommendations; directs and ensures compliance with the utility’s policies and procedures. Prepares and reviews reports on departmental activities and recommends changes. Provides regular and timely status updates to the General Manager & CEO and the Board of Directors. Represents the utility’s interests at the local, state, and national level and on agencies, boards, councils, and commissions. Recruits, develops, and evaluates senior management and professional staff to ensure compliance with established policies and objectives of the utility. Ensures compliance with all safety, reliability, and environmental standards and requirements. Attends meetings of the Board of Directors and City Commission to explain, justify, and defend utility programs, policies and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant and controversial issues. Attends meetings outside normal working hours and in the evenings as required. Handles other duties as assigned. Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal of all Finance organization employees.

 Extensive knowledge of financial management and budgeting principles and practices of public utilities. Extensive knowledge of inter-local agreements and practices, inter-local agency governmental budgetary practices, and inter-local agency government purchasing laws and practices. Extensive knowledge and experience in strategic planning and execution. Knowledge and experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Knowledge of local, state, and federal law and city ordinances. Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management. Knowledge of public relations principles and practices. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures. Professional oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. Computer software skills using Microsoft Office. Ability to plan, assign, delegate, direct, and control the work of administrative and supervisory personnel. Ability to develop long-term plans and programs, and to evaluate work accomplishments. Ability to make sound decisions and take or guide courses of action. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with directors, department managers, representatives of various organizations, and the general public. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data. Ability to deliver public presentations. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events. Ability to work a flexible schedule and to travel.