Utility Budget Specialist

Description

Job Overview:


FirstService Energy is the energy management and advisory subsidiary of FirstService Residential. As the trusted energy advisor, FirstService Energy aims to improve energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions for all FirstService Residential managed properties. Through energy data analysis and on-site assessments, FirstService Energy is able to identify and evaluate opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. FirstService Energy also manages both an energy procurement program that provides properties with significant energy savings, and an energy benchmarking compliance program.


We are looking for someone to lead and construct client energy budgets on an annual basis. This individual will work independently on a set list of budgets each year by setting up templates and completing analytical research on tariffs for each local utility.



Your Responsibilities:

• Research, collect, and document information on local utility tariffs for all relevant commodities, including but not limited to
• • Natural Gas, Electric, Oil, Water, and District Steam
• Provide explanations/analysis of local utility year over year tariff changes and historical trends
• Develop internal processes and templates for regional specific budgets (long and short forms).
• Create a timeline for distribution of templates specific to each market.
• Complete budgets of selected properties on an annual basis or as required.
• Conduct annual seminar for Financial Advisors (FA) to go over the budget template and local updates.
• Provide support to FAs regionally during the budgeting process.
• Work with FAs to review annual templates and assumptions.
• Work with Data team to review data for budget templates.
• Assist the Data Team with processes during the budgeting off season as needed
• Work with data and procurement teams in identification and explanation of variances
• Attend meetings to review budgets with board members and managers (often after 5pm).

• Engage various internal stakeholders to develop recommendations for modifying existing programs to adapt to anticipated changes, including but not limited to the following:
• • internal workflow procedures, documentation, record organization and retention, resource planning, budget development, and data analyses.
• Ad hoc tasks as requested or part of a working group project.
• Assist the procurement team during the budgeting off season as needed.
• Work with the Director of Data and the Energy Analyst(s) on auditing the utility rate calculation assumptions on an annual basis.
• Audit the results of the constructed budgets on a quarterly basis and update the templates as needed for better accuracy.
• Work with the development team on streamlining processes for budget deliverables.
• Develop a model for savings analysis based on local tariffs.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, supply chain management, business administration, or other relevant fields of study.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead discussions on energy budgets with stakeholders.
• 3-4 years of work experience in bookkeeping, energy procurement, accounting services, or a related profession.
• Internal drive for expanding knowledge and skills.
• Experience working with MS Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Advanced understanding and practicing knowledge of Excel
• Strong understanding and working experience of utility bill data and tariff research
• Practical knowledge of annual budget process for condominiums and cooperatives
• Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently. Must be self-driven with the ability to identify, plan and prioritize projects and assignments and be able to hit important deadlines.
• Passion for sustainability or energy management
• Experience working with third party software such as ClickUp and other project management sites
• Understanding programming languages (SQL, R, Python) and visualization tools (Power BI)

What We Offer:
As a full-time associate, you will be eligible for full comprehensive benefits to include your choice of multiple medical plans, dental, and vision. In addition, you will be eligible for time-off benefits, paid holidays, and a 401(k) with a competitive company match. Compensation range $60,000 - $70,000 annual salary.


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