Water Utility Lead Quantitative Modeler (14.25)

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Manager of Planning & Analysis (P&A), the Water Utility Lead Quantitative Modeler spearheads data exploration and analysis initiatives for stakeholders across the Water Utilities group. This role bridges financial accounting, operational modeling, and regulatory compliance to address challenges and adapt to emerging trends in water utility operations and infrastructure management.
The Water Utility Lead Quantitative Modeler employs advanced modeling techniques, including predictive and optimization models, to evaluate financial impacts and recommend actionable strategies that optimize resource allocation and operational efficiency. By integrating expertise in financial accounting with advanced analytical skills, this role ensures that operational decisions align with financial statement accuracy and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of financial frameworks and innovative quantitative methods, fostering collaboration across teams to align operational decisions with financial integrity. This position plays a key role in advancing the organization's analytical maturity by equipping stakeholders with cutting-edge tools and actionable insights that support compliant, cost-effective, and informed decision-making. Strong communication skills, particularly in translating technical findings for diverse audiences, are essential.

ACCOUNTABILITY
The Water Utility Lead Quantitative Modeler will collaborate closely with stakeholders across GSWC to identify opportunities for leveraging financial and operational data to enhance decision-making and achieve strategic goals. This role will coordinate with various functional teams to develop and implement models, align financial statements with operational activities, and quantify outcomes.

The position requires the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences, monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions, and drive continuous improvement in analytical processes. Working in an environment that involves sensitive and
confidential data, the incumbent must uphold data governance policies and ensure accountability for maintaining information confidentiality.
This role necessitates independence, initiative, and sound judgment in managing a broad range of responsibilities. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with diverse employees, executives, and external consultants to promote a shared understanding of Planning & Analysis goals, objectives, and organizational policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Contributes to the development and advancement of GSWC's analytics and business intelligence strategy
* Develops advanced operations-financial models using accurate data to optimize resource utilization in areas such as water supply, asset maintenance, customer service, and capital expenditures, improving budgeting and resource planning.
* Creates predictive and simulation models to quantify risks and probabilities, enhancing resource allocation and informed financial decision-making
* Ensures alignment between operational modeling and financial outcomes under GAAP by understanding how operational activities are reflected in financial statements
* Designs frameworks to reconcile operational modeling with financial reporting, quantifying the impacts of resource allocation on profit and loss (P&L)
* Acts as a liaison between financial stakeholders and technical teams to ensure models reflect accurate financial and operational realities, effectively communicating findings to diverse audiences
* Collaborates with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and key stakeholders to analyze trends, patterns, and anomalies in financial and operational data, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements, risk mitigation, and strategic resource allocation
* Validates data sources, methodologies, and error metrics to ensure actionable recommendations, build stakeholder trust, and maintain decision accuracy
* Provide guidance on data strategy, enhancing data architectures with insights from various financial, operational, and asset management sources
* Trains and mentors cross-functional teams on advanced analytical methods, modeling techniques, and decision-support tools to elevate organizational analytical capabilities
* Partners with internal teams to develop financial and operational models, forecasts, and documentation to support regulatory filings and rate case development
* Designs and refines key business metrics, conducting robust analyses to identify performance strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities while recommending actions to improve outcomes
* Facilitates the integration of business processes, people, and technology to deliver relevant, actionable information.
* Identifies gaps and streamlines processes to improve data flow, quality, measurement, and reporting accuracy
* Sets goals, manages tasks, and ensures timely completion of deliverables
* Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Position Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline, with expertise in the Finance and Accounting domain; Master's degree highly preferred
* Seven+ years of experience in financial planning and analysis, operational analytics, or a related field, preferably within the regulated water utility sector.
* Proven track record of developing impactful models and tools that drive measurable improvements to the bottom line
* Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, achieving successful outcomes
* Experience working independently as an analytical thinker, conducting research, resolving complex problems, and translating business questions into analytically actionable queries
* Proficiency in R, Python, SQL, advanced Excel, and big data hosting technologies (e.g., Azure) for extracting insights and building statistical and quantitative models
* Expertise in predictive statistical techniques, including regression, time series analysis, pattern recognition, optimization, and simulation
* Experience with ERP systems, such as JDE, PowerPlant, Customer Care & Billing, preferred
* Familiarity with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau highly preferred.
* Strong skills with Microsoft Office applications and advanced data query/data management tools (e.g., Access, SQL, Business Intelligence Publisher)
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences
* Critical thinking and problem-solving ability, coupled with self-motivation and minimal supervision
* Strong interpersonal skills, with the maturity, professionalism, and discretion necessary to build effective working relationships
* Ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:
* Enthusiastic about empirical research and addressing complex questions using data; committed to continuous learning and growth
* A systems-level thinker with the ability to approach problems holistically and strategically
* Dedicated to providing exceptional support and service to internal "customers."
* Exhibits strong personal integrity and earns trust through consistent and ethical behavior
* Takes ownership of responsibilities and demonstrates a high level of accountability for outcomes
* Operates with discipline, focus, and a sense of urgency to meet objectives.
* Skilled at making a meaningful impact and influencing stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes
* Possesses strong written and verbal communication abilities, with effective presentation skills for diverse audiences
* Highly collaborative, fostering a team-first mindset and working effectively with others
* Maintains composure under pressure, demonstrating emotional intelligence and maturity in interactions
* Consistently represents the organization with professionalism in all internal and external engagements
* A proactive self-starter with a high degree of initiative and a drive to deliver results

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.