This position is open until filled, but resume review has already begun. Competitive salary DOQ, from mid to upper $200,000’s, with generous benefits package including pension, paid leave, and health benefits. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume by email only to employment@saws.org, attention Sharon De La Garza, Senior Vice President – Human Resources, Workplace Safety, & Risk Management.
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is seeking a highly qualified Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic leadership in all financial matters. The CFO will be responsible for managing the organization's finances and developing policies and strategies to ensure continued fiscal integrity. Serving as a member of the Executive Management Team, this individual will oversee and direct the personnel and operations of the Financial Services Group—including Accounting, Debt Management, Treasury, Financial Reporting, and Financial Planning—and may assume additional oversight responsibilities as assigned.
SAWS is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio and serves more than 2 million people in Bexar County, as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. It was created in May 1992 through the consolidation of the City Water Board, the City Wastewater Department and the Alamo Water Conservation and Reuse District (developed system for reuse of treated wastewater). In 2012, SAWS also assumed the former Bexar Metropolitan Water District and currently serves more than 585,000 water customers and 525,000 wastewater customers. SAWS is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees consisting of the Mayor of the City of San Antonio and six other Trustees appointed by the City Council of the City of San Antonio. SAWS has more than 2,000 employees, approximately $10.7 billion in total assets, and anticipates spending around $3.2 billion over the next five years on capital improvement projects. Since the formation of SAWS, San Antonio has been recognized nationally for its novel conservation efforts and proactive water management planning.
The Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer reports to the President/CEO and works under general direction and guidance. A qualified candidate should demonstrate familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and possess an understanding of government accounting and financial reporting standards. Expertise in accounting systems, management processes, and methodologies is vital, along with proficiency in financial budgeting and procedures related to utility rate setting. Awareness of applicable Federal, State, and local statutes, laws, and regulations within the relevant discipline is required. Knowledge of supervisory principles, training methods, and performance evaluation practices adds value, as does the capability to interpret and assess complex financial data. Proficient use of personal computers and a range of software applications supports effective report preparation; the ability to craft clear, concise reports and present complicated information to large audiences or the public is essential. Candidates must have the capacity to manage tight deadlines, juggle multiple tasks efficiently, and produce accurate, timely financial statements. Talent for planning, developing, and executing strategic business initiatives is important, as is experience in managing departmental budgets and allocating scarce resources economically. A commitment to high ethical standards in professional and personal conduct, leadership, teamwork, positivity, initiative, and problem-solving is crucial. The role also requires an aptitude for dissecting intricate issues, suggesting alternatives, and implementing solutions to achieve objectives. Effectiveness in identifying and addressing organizational and executive concerns, priorities, and requirements is necessary, along with strong verbal and written communication skills. Finally, candidates should be able to build and sustain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, executive management, elected officials, policy makers, community leaders, contractors, consultants, and industry professionals.
The candidate will interact with customers, the Board of Trustees, officials, community leaders, contractors, consultants, industry peers, and vendors. Strong verbal and written communication, professionalism, leadership, teamwork, initiative, and problem-solving skills are required. The selected individual will direct, supervise and/or oversee the work of employees, and may be required to travel. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment – the selected candidate will be required to drive a company and/or personal vehicle when performing duties at external locations and may be required to work hours other than regular schedule such as nights and weekends.
The Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer performs the following essential functions:
• Directs, monitors and evaluates the System’s financial performance and recommends and implements corrective measures to sustain the financial integrity of SAWS.
• Advises the President/CEO on all matters related to the financial management of the System, ensuring the preparation and maintenance of proper financial records and reports.
• Oversees the investment of funds in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, resolutions, policies and regulations.
• Develops and manages short and long-range financial plans of the System.
• Manages, plans and oversees debt issuances and bond sales in accordance with federal, state, local and regulatory requirements and regulations.
• Oversees the timely and accurate reporting of the financial position and the results of operations of an entity with approximately $1 billion in annual revenues, $11 billion in assets, and an annual construction budget more than $600 million.
• Communicates and informs bond rating agencies of the System’s operations and finances and serves as the primary point of contact regarding potential rating actions by the rating agencies.
• Oversees the development of strategies, operations and policies related to the treasury function, including cash and investment management, borrowing, grants management and payment processing.
• Provides funding for construction programs through capital financing, and reviews construction performance through accounting and financial data.
• Applies and interprets general accounting, cash management, investment, budgeting and financial analysis practices, principles and governmental regulations.
• Prepares and presents financial recommendations to the Board of Trustees and City Council.
• Participates in the development of executive level conceptual planning and ensures overall integration of the plan by applying executive level business management principles and practices. • Initiates, promotes, recommends and implements policies and procedures.
• Forecasts, allocates and monitors the human, physical and financial resources for assigned Groups.
• Leads, selects and develops a team of professionals charged with executing business strategy and maintaining operational integrity.
• Trains and mentors employees and facilitates interdepartmental teamwork.
• Promotes and encourages teamwork and cooperative efforts internally and externally.
• Promotes and rewards high performance, and respects and promotes diversity.
• Leads the development, analysis and implementation of policy and strategy, including key strategic initiatives, business planning efforts and policies and procedures.
• Influences events to optimize organizational resources and achieve System goals.
• Applies executive level business management principles and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant and must be bondable.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Economics or related field from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field is preferred.
• Ten years’ increasingly responsible professional experience managing and directing financial functions such as accounting, finance, treasury, budgeting or financial reporting, to include five years’ management experience.
• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License.
