Department of Watershed Management
Chief Financial Officer
Position Specification - Page 2
THE ROYSTER GROUP
EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANTS
TITLE: / Chief Financial Officer
ORGANIZATION: / City of Atlanta
Department of Watershed Management
LOCATION: / Atlanta, GA
BACKGROUND: / The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is dedicated to providing the highest quality drinking water and wastewater services to residential, business and wholesale customers at the lowest possible cost, while protecting urban waterways, conserving natural resources, and providing clean and safe water for downstream customers. DWM provides water to approximately 1.2 million customers, including residents in surrounding counties. It is the second largest department within the City of Atlanta government.
Led by Commissioner Robert J. Hunter, the Department is widely acknowledged as a national leader in water and sewer infrastructure asset management. In December 2008, it completed work on one federal consent decree on time and on budget; and is on track for completion of work on a second consent decree in 2014.
The Department encompasses the Commissioner’s office and the Bureaus of Drinking Water, Wastewater Treatment and Collection, Engineering Services, Financial Administration, Management, Watershed Protection, and Program Performance. In addition, it owns, operates and manages two water treatment plants with a combined treatment capacity of more than 200 million gallons per day and four water reclamation facilities with a treatment capacity of about 130 million gallons per day. The City is an equal partner with Fulton County in a third water treatment plant with a capacity of 90 million gallons per day.
DWM is a highly leveraged water utility that is halfway through a $4 billion capital project program. The Department has 1,680 budgeted positions with an enterprise-funded operating and renewal budget of $543 million. Confidence in the Department’s financial performance is supported by its ability to transact five major financial issues in the last six years. Its two FY 2009 bond issues, including refinancing, totaled almost $1.2 billion.
The Department works diligently to ensure and improve both the short- and long-term financial viability of the utility and the City of Atlanta. As a part of the FY 2009 annual budget process, DWM developed and implemented an enhanced, web-based budget tool that improved budget development and the Department’s financial planning process. This multi-year budgeting tool was adopted citywide for FY 2010. In FY 2011, DWM is expanding this tool to encompass a five-year budget period. In addition, the department is formalizing a fifteen-year budget planning process to target longer-term programs and financial goals.
In addition, DWM develops its multi-year forecast using a strategic financial planning model designed to represent utility cash flows under alternative assumptions related to revenue generation, operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses, and financing structures for capital investments. These forecasts are the basis for its capital and operating programs and plans, as well as its rate requirements.
REPORTING
RELATIONSHIPS: / The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will report to the Commissioner of Watershed Management and assume a strategic role in the overall management of the department. This position will also interface with the Mayor’s Office, City Chief Financial Officer and City Finance Department, as well as City Council personnel.
BASIC
FUNCTION: / The CFO will oversee Capital Projects, Financial Analysis and Budgeting, Audit, Accounting Services, and Fixed Assets. He/She will have direct responsibility for accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, bond rating management, rate setting, audit, and the capital funding process. The successful candidate will direct 64 budgeted positions within Finance. Day-to-day responsibilities will include planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities of the DWM.
The CFO will provide financial leadership to include development of the enterprise budget, making all investment and borrowing decisions, and providing financial direction to the Commissioner.
RESPONSIBILITIES: / · Leads, manages and motivates the team to support a performance management culture and accomplish DWM’s strategic business goals.
· With the assistance of the Commissioner, directs the development and preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based upon the broad organizational goals and growth objectives.
· Responsible for the proper management of all assets that are assigned to the department. This includes being accountable to establish the department’s staff, monitor staff performance, and evaluate department effectiveness.
· Provides for expenditures to prepare a program budget based on performance standards and other supporting data; assist in the recommendation process with various proposals to the Council which impact the financial well being of the Department.
· Attends all Council meetings and prepares reports for the Council at the Commissioner’s request; participates in the decision making of policy recommendations and strategic planning, as a member of the senior management team.
· Develops ongoing and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure adherence to internal controls and the timely development of financial processing.
· Responsible for supervising multiple functions with full accountability for effective operation and results.
· Oversees internal controls and safeguards related to the financial assets of DWM.
· Manages the staff’s performance and evaluates departmental effectiveness, plans and schedules, and conducts departmental meetings. Will often deal with broad management issues.
· Involved in contract management, process issues and implementation of automated controls.
· Recognizes the value of motivation and team building while working within the department.
EDUCATION: / · A Master’s degree in Business Administration or related discipline is required, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration or related field.
· A CPA, CMA or other related professional designation is highly desirable.
· Ten plus years in progressively responsible financial leadership roles, preferably in water and wastewater utilities.
· A broad understanding of forecasting and financial modeling, strategic planning, auditing, and capital programs.
PERSONAL
ATTRIBUTES: / · Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization and with staff at remote locations is essential.
· Strong problem solving and creative skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.
· Must be proactive and operations oriented, helping to drive the growth of the Department, while juggling multiple projects and working in a fast paced, deadline-oriented and high-growth environment.
· High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results orientation.
EXPERIENCE: / Responsible for supervising multiple functions with full accountability for effective operation and results. The incumbent must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent presentation skills, to develop executive presentations. This person must have independent judgment to review and approve major recommendations. He/She must have high contact experience with outside departments and the general public.
He/She will make recommendations or decisions, which usually affect the assigned department, but at times affect operations, services, individuals, or activities of others outside the assigned department. He/She must have proven ability to work under pressure and coordinate within all levels of the City’s management and personnel.
COMPENSATION: / Compensation package revolving around competitive base salary is dependent upon degree and/or years of experience. Relocation, Defined Contribution Pension Plan, Health and Dental Care, and Life Insurance are provided.
CONTACTS: / Ken Taunton
Managing Director
770-507-3353, Ext. 103 (Direct)
770-507-4034 (Fax)
(Email)
Gary Blackwell, PHR
Director of Business Relations
770-507-3353, Ext. 107 (Direct)
770-507-4034 (Fax)
(Email)
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