Project Manager

Willdan Financial Services (WFS) is a growing consulting firm that provides financial and economic consulting services primarily to cities, counties and other local government jurisdictions including public sewer, water, natural gas, and electric utilities. Typical services provided by WFS include, but are not limited to, retail and wholesale utility rate and financial studies, other fee and rate studies for local public agencies, cost-of-service studies, financial modeling and accounting studies, economic and fiscal impact/feasibility studies, economic and strategic planning, sales tax analysis, special district administration, and utility regulatory and litigation support.

The Project Manager will primarily work independently and report to a Principal Consultant or Group Manager/Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• User Fee and Cost Allocation Plan Updates:Conduct updates and reviews of user fee programs and structures to ensure fees recover the costs of providing public agency services. Develop and review cost allocation methodologies that appropriately assign indirect overhead costs to an agency’s direct operating activities or functions while ensuring alignment with operations and applicable regulations.
• Financial Modeling for Utility Clients:Create and analyze financial models for water, wastewater, natural gas, electric, solid waste, and stormwater utility clients. Use financial projections, alternative scenarios, and sensitivity analyses to support rate making, utility operations, budgeting, forecasting, and informed decision-making.
• Fiscal and Economic Impact Analysis:Perform detailed analyses to assess the fiscal and economic impacts of new development, redevelopment, or reuse projects on communities and local governments.
• Revenue Enhancement Studies:Analyze existing and potential revenue-generation strategies and recommend enhancements or new revenue sources.
• Client Engagement and Relationship Management:Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, maintaining clear and consistent communication to understand their needs, objectives, and challenges. Build positive client relationships and support client satisfaction throughout each project.
• Project Coordination and Management:Manage multiple projects simultaneously and oversee the full project lifecycle, from proposals and contract negotiations through final delivery. Coordinate day-to-day project activities and internal resources to ensure milestones are completed within scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Research and Analysis:Conduct in-depth research and analysis to understand client issues, challenges, and operating environments. Use this information to guide project strategy and develop tailored solutions.
• Quality Assurance:Monitor project progress; review financial models, analyses, and deliverables; identify potential risks; and address issues that could affect project quality or outcomes.
• Presentations, Reporting, and Communication:Prepare reports, presentations, and project updates for clients and internal stakeholders. Clearly communicate findings, recommendations, and project progress, including presenting at public meetings and advising elected and appointed policymakers.
• Budget and Financial Management:Monitor project budgets and follow applicable revenue acceptance processes to maintain financial accountability.
• Time Management:Effectively manage personal and team priorities to ensure tasks and deliverables are completed within established timelines and budgets.
• Staff Development:As assigned, mentor, train, and support the professional development of analysts and other staff members.
• Business Relationship Management:Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients, stakeholders, and…