Financial Management Analyst

The State Water Contractors (SWC) are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Management Analyst to serve as a leading financial and accounting expert related to the State Water Project (SWP). This role requires a deep understanding of public sector financial management including financial, managerial, cost, and fund accounting, cost forecasting, and interagency coordination. This role will also require reviewing, understanding and interpreting the Water Supply Contracts that provide detailed and intricate billing and cost allocation provisions.

The Financial Management Analyst will be responsible for (1) coordinating engagement with California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and SWC members related to SWP bills, billing processes, affordability planning and forecasting; (2) providing professional and expert advice to SWC and Department of Water Resources (DWR) executives, staff and governing boards with respect to financial management and accounting practices; (3) representing member agencies’ best interests with regards to SWP billing, accounting, and other financial practices related to the SWP; and (4) collaborating and communicating with the SWC Board and member agencies. The successful candidate will lead key financial and accounting initiatives and represent the collective interests of SWC member agencies in collaboration with the DWR. This position is ideal for a mid- to senior-level finance and accounting professional with strong analytical acumen, public utility finance experience, and a commitment to supporting sustainable and equitable water resource management.

The SWCs are a statewide, mutual benefit organization representing 27 public water agencies from Northern, Central, and Southern California that receive water from the SWP under contract with the California Department of Water Resources. Collectively, the members of the SWCs deliver water to more than 27 million residents throughout the state and more than 750,000 acres of agricultural lands.

Essential Duties

• Financial Oversight & Program Reporting: Plan, manage, and implement a comprehensive financial reporting program that presents high-level summaries of State Water Project (SWP) program expenses and offers detailed analysis on specific areas of interest to the State Water Contractors (SWC). Translate program-level costs into contractor-specific charges.
• Strategic Planning & Policy Development: Participate in the development of goals, policies, and priorities for financial management and reporting initiatives. Recommend and help promote policies and procedures aligned with SWC objectives and contractual agreement with DWR.
• Understand the Water Supply Contract Billing and Cost Allocation Provisions: Review, understand and interpret the Water Supply Contracts as they relate to billing and cost allocation, and provide detailed analysis of how contract provisions impact contractors differently. 
• Expense Evaluation & Financial Monitoring: Under coordinated direction from SWC management and individual contractors, conduct in-depth evaluations of SWP expenses. Monitor financial management programs, identify areas for improvement, and recommend enhancements to improve clarity, transparency, and accountability.
• Interagency Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate engagement between SWC member agencies and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) regarding SWP billing, cost allocations, affordability planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Regulatory Interpretation & Financial Compliance: Interpret and apply governmental accounting and auditing principles, state and federal regulations, and DWR policies as they relate to SWP financial operations. Support SWC members in interpreting the SWP Statement of Charges and related financial documentation.
• Audit Support & Financial Risk Analysis: Track SWP audit findings and recommend improvements to internal financial processes and policies to enhance internal controls and ensure compliance.
• Executive Reporting & Board Presentations: Prepare and present reports, memos, presentations, and correspondence to the SWC General Manager, Board of Directors, and SWP contractors. Provide strategic and technical financial guidance in support of decision-making processes.
• Collaboration & Internal Support: Provide ongoing assistance to SWC General Manager, Board of Directors, and member agencies. Serve as a financial subject matter expert, supporting internal teams with ad hoc analyses, policy interpretation, and special projects.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed to support the effective financial management and accounting practices of the State Water Project and the mission of the SWC.

The Ideal Candidate

Will Possess Detailed Knowledge and Skills Related to:

• Principles, practices, and methods of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, public administration, budgeting, and auditing.
• Requirements of the State Water Supply contracts that identify the basis for SWP cost accounting and billing to SWP contractors.
• The DWR SAP system, including ability to extract information from the system, understanding of the cost accounting basis used in its fiscal management modules, and general implementation of cost accounting for the State Water Resources Development System.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment, and applications related to the work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Desirable qualities include:

• Financial modeling.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills including the use of formulas, functions, data analysis, and potentially VBA for automation.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and solve complex problems.
• Ability to prepare and deliver convincing, clear, concise, and well-organized professional presentations.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Familiarity with the State Water Project’s operational and financial structure.
• Familiarity with financial, managerial, cost, and fund accounting practices
• Experience in cost-of-service analysis, long-term forecasting, and capital improvement planning.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborative in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of progressive responsibility in the finance/accounting/economics sector, of which two years of experience can be met by an advanced degree.

Compensation and Benefits

The monthly salary range for this at-will position is $10,840 to $15,958, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salary is supplemented by an excellent total compensation package which includes a deferred compensation program, PERS retirement, and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, cell phone benefit, parking, vacation, holiday, and sick leave. SWC does not participate in the social security system but does participate in Medicare.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a comprehensive resume by July, 7, 2025

State Water Contractors

1121 L Street, Suite 1050

Sacramento, CA 95814

Attn: Linda Standlee

Send questions and resume to: lstandlee@swc.org

Interviews are anticipated in July 2025. The successful candidate is expected to join SWC in August 2025.