Utility Rate Analyst, Senior; Economist, Senior

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Sr. Utility Rate Analyst (Senior Economist) to manage all aspects of financial planning for one of Seattle’s utilities within the Rates & Financial Planning group. The role reports to the Rates Manager in the Finance Division of the Finance, Administration, and Risk Services Branch.

• Lead the financial and rate impacts of a Fund’s programs and policies, including preparation of regular utility rate studies and defining issues.
• Develop recommendations on financial and rate‑setting policies.
• Develop ongoing rate forecasts to show financial impacts of business practices, programs, investment choices, and policy alternatives.
• Present results of modeling, forecasting, and analysis to senior management, interdepartmental teams, citizens’ committees, and elected officials.
• Manage the ongoing finances of a Fund, including identifying and analyzing items that may impact the Fund, preparing monthly financial reports, and monitoring overall financial performance.
• Maintain the Fund’s financial forecasting and cost allocation models and develop and test new model features as required.
• Provide direction and guidance to interdepartmental groups on issues that impact rates and financial performance.
• Act as the SPU utility lead in the issuance of revenue bonds for the Fund, including recommendation of timing/size of issues and forecast of financial impacts.
• Present financial projections to rating agencies.
• Coordinate with the City’s law and finance departments and financial consultants in the development of information for potential investors and rating agencies.
• Lead efforts and direct teams related to rates or other financial policy initiatives, coordinating with other SPU teams, City departments, and external stakeholders.
• Work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

• Requires three years of professional experience in economic and financial research and analysis, and a bachelor’s degree with one year of graduate study in Economics, Finance, Engineering, or a related field involving extensive coursework in economic and financial theory and analysis. The graduate year may be replaced by two years of related professional experience.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

• High proficiency with large‑volume data analysis and ability to create queries, ad‑hoc analysis, and reporting.
• Background in finance and financial analysis with exposure to accounting treatments, interpretation of accounting guidelines, and financial ratios.
• Experience in independently applying a variety of analytic and modeling methods to different problems.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to accomplish work tasks independently, but in close coordination with a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including supervising or directing others and experience working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience working with elected officials and the general public with diverging opinions and viewpoints.
• Experience with policy analysis and interpretation of legislation and/or regulations.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations, including values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership, and Accountability.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multi‑cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.

This position allows a hybrid work schedule. Employees are required to come into the office three times a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon with the employee’s supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $60.55 – $70.40 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications, and applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Priority review will be given to applications received before May 26th.