Technology Planning Analyst II / Sr.

 

Job Responsibilities / Overview 

This position will reside on the Regulatory & Planning team and will provide financial analysis and reporting support for the Technology Organization with a focus on the Southern Company Gas business.  Includes input and preparation of the annual Capital and O&M budget, monthly reforecast, monthly accruals, monthly financial reporting and analysis, and rate case support across the four jurisdictions Southern Company Gas serves.

This position will work closely with department leaders across the Gas Technology Solutions team to ensure business objectives are met, prudent and proper financial budget tracking and reporting, review and analyze financial budget trends and variances, provide explanations of variances, develop financial comparisons and forecasts, support internal customer requests, rate cases, etc.

This is both a highly analytical position, which involves the compilation, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of complex financial information, as well as a long-term strategic position planning for multi-year technology investment. It requires attention to detail, a high-level of accuracy, and coordination with leaders across the Southern Company Gas and the Southern Company Services enterprise. 

 

Essential Duties Include:                                                                                                                  

Annual budget preparation and long-term budget planning, monthly reforecasts, monthly accruals, and monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, and variance explanations Creates monthly financial reports and visual presentation of financial data for reporting to senior leadership Provides ad-hoc financial reports and analysis; reviews and analyzes trends and variances; provides explanation of variances with input and partnership from leadership team; research expenditures; develops financial comparisons and forecasts  Compile, interpret and analyze financial and non-financial information to determine past performance, project future results, and identify trends to help drive business decisions. Develops, documents, and enforces procedures for budget planning, prioritizing, and reporting. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to gather information, improve processes, and resolve issues. Perform cost analysis and identify cost reduction opportunities. Propose recommendations to leadership.  Create and fund Capital and O&M Projects in Oracle and PowerPlan to support the Technology Organization; track projects through completion to ensure timely in-service dates. Provides backup support to other Technology Planning Analysts on the Regulatory & Planning team.

Qualifications:

 Education, Certifications/Licenses: 

Required: BA/BS/BBA in Finance, Accounting, Business Management, Engineering, MIS, or related field Preferred: AACE, CPA, CMA, CISA, CFE, MBA; or similar recognized organization

Related Work Experience:

Required:  5+ years finance, accounting, audit, project controls, or related field Preferred: Experience in energy sector, utilities, natural gas/pipelines, or natural gas storage. Working knowledge of PowerPlan, Oracle ERP, OACS, Oracle Smart View, PeopleSoft Financials, UI Planner, Power BI, and/or SOAR.

 

Specific Skills & Competencies:

Required:

MS Office – advanced proficiency, especially Excel Advance knowledge of financial reporting, modeling, analysis, and forecasting Knowledge of accounting fundamentals and audit concepts, practices, and procedures Effective planning and organization Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with all levels in the organization Ability to complete assignments with a high-level of accuracy and attention to detail Ability to support multiple resources and adapt to changing priorities Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels and across all organizations within the company Proven track record of achieving results individually, and working with and through others

Preferred:

Experience in strategy and planning, business relationship management, and/or business analysis and consulting  Experience supporting multiple projects end-to-end, from a financial and planning perspective Experience with rate case filings and quantifying the value of technology investment

 

Behavioral Attributes:

Models Our Values of Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance. Ethical Behavior: Is widely trusted; deals fairly and ethically with everyone; presents facts in an honest and direct manner; maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information. Innovation: Looks for ways to improve workplace effectiveness; solicits the creative ideas of others; efficiently works within budget and time constraints; exhibits willingness to work out of comfort zone. Diversity: Values differences in people; understands different perspectives and frames of reference; recognizes the link between diversity and organizational success and supports an inclusive workplace. Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; maintains effective relationships across organizations.    Teamwork: Communicates openly and values honesty; listens to others; works with others toward common goals.  High degree of initiative and personal responsibility for assignments.    Demonstrates knowledge of the business and industry.

Additional Information:

The position will operate in a hybrid, remote work environment. This is subject to change as the support needs of the business unit dictate. Occasional travel may be necessary, up to 25%