CONTROLLER

Purpose of the Position

Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) seeks an experienced and collaborative Controller to join the organization during a period of tremendous growth and increased demand. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will serve as the financial operations subject matter expert for the organization and its various operating entities. As MPUA continues to expand its overall impact and reach, anchored by the Build MO Power initiative, it needs an astute financial leader to provide strategic oversight to its fiscal operations, collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders, and foster a welcoming and inclusive culture. Success in this role will be measured by effective financial stewardship, general operational oversight, strong collaboration, and excellent communication and presentation skills.

In this highly visible role, the Controller will serve as a trusted and collaborative partner to the Chief Financial Officer, leadership team, and Boards providing accurate and timely financial information to inform key strategic decision making, further organizational goals, ensure compliance, and meet reporting requirements. As a key member of the finance team, the Controller will play an essential role in the development of people, processes, and systems with an eye towards operational efficiency and continuous improvement. With the support of a talented and dedicated team, the Controller will provide key strategic oversight for core business operations including accounting, budgeting, invoicing, financial reporting, tax, internal controls, and payroll.

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner with key internal and external stakeholders to help further MPUA’s overarching goals and priorities.
• Provides sound financial data, analysis, and interpretation to inform and support MPUA’s operating entities and their operational position.
• Builds strong and effective relationships with a broad and varied set of stakeholders including senior leadership, staff, customers, and boards.
• Serves as the key point of contact with city managers, utility managers, consultants, vendors, suppliers, financial institutions, and attorneys in performing duties.
• Adheres to sound financial practices and general accounting standards following policy and contractual requirements and is responsible for the timely closing of the general ledger.
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation of the annual financial statements and tax filings in compliance with regulatory requirements and coordinates the annual audits for each Commission and Finance Program.
• Prepares annual audit financial reports including MD&A, financial statements, notes, and required supplemental information.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement with a focus on industry best practices and emerging trends in the field.
• Leads a highly effective and proactive team with a focus on excellent customer service.
• Oversees monthly and annual general ledger closings and prepares financial statements for board reports.
• Works closely with the CFO to ensure compliance with MPUA’s bond covenants.
• Tracks fixed assets and maintains depreciation and asset accounts.
• Assists the CFO in preparing financial and project status reports to update members and management.
• Serves as an active participant in staff, board, and committee meetings to obtain and convey information.
• Prepares worksheets and forms to assist in filing tariffs with FERC.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or technical math-related discipline. Master’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field is a plus.
• CPA required along with 3 to 5 years of management experience with budgeting, cost, and revenue responsibility.
• A fundamental understanding of the accounting and finance functions of public utilities obtained through 10 years of progressive experience in related positions.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP standards and utility accounting, budgeting, and invoicing (electric, gas, water, sewer, etc) acquired through 3 - 5 years of experience working in the utility industry.
• An ability to explain complex financial concepts in accessible and understandable terms to a broad set of stakeholders with varying levels of financial acumen.
• An unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and principles in financial management.
• Excellent communication, customer service, analytical and presentation skills coupled with the ability to develop trust and foster effective relationships using diplomacy, tact
• A proactive problem-solver and innovative thinker with the ability to act in a decisive manner with and an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Knowledge of FERC Uniform System of Accounts, MISO Operation and Settlements, MPUA Accounting System, GAAP and GASB standards, Revised Missouri Statute 393.700 Joint Municipal Utility Commissions, and Revised Missouri Statute 91.100 Municipal Utilities within first six months of employment.
• An ability to initiate, establish, and foster effective communication and teamwork by maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• A track savvy finance leader with relevant experience using Microsoft Office products, especially complex Excel spreadsheet creation and analysis.
• Valid Missouri driver’s license.

The above statements are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the job requirements. Rather, they are intended to describe the general nature of the job. MPUA reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written contract of employment.

The Company - MPUA

IMPROVING LOCAL QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH HOMETOWN UTILITIES

MPUA (Missouri Public Utility Alliance) represents community-owned (municipal), locally regulated electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and broadband utilities that work together for the benefit of their customers. For many years, the vision of a strong, versatile, and multi-faceted collaboration grew in the minds of municipal utility leaders from across Missouri. MPUA is a partnership of the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission, the Missouri Gas Commission, the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities, and the MPUA Resource Services Corporation. Each of the entities adopt a budget and have their own legal status. Thirteen members of the organizations serve on the MPUA Board of Directors and oversee an integrated budget, and collectively this provides a broad array of services to all members.

MPUA provides utilities with energy supply, training, advocacy, and technical support. They are proud to collaborate with communities to achieve their mission of strengthening hometown utilities and improving the local quality of life. Think of MPUA staff as an extension of the municipal staff to provide valuable training opportunities, power management, specialty technical assistance, and everything in between. Running a hometown utility can be challenging - connect with other municipally owned utilities across the state through MPUA’s invaluable network of 120 members.

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MPUA complies with all federal, state & local equal employment oppurtunity laws.  In all hiring and employment practices, MPUA makes every effort to ensure that it does not discriminate against employees & applicants.  This policy addresses MPUA's commitment to providing equal opportunity for all applicants. 

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.