Principal Financial Analyst

About the position

The Principal Financial Analyst at American Water is a key role responsible for developing strategic financial recommendations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and providing insights that influence business decisions related to regulated revenues. This position requires advanced analytical skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize revenue planning and support business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead revenue analysis, forecasting, trend analysis, and variance reporting.
• Develop and maintain complex revenue and financial models using regression analysis and/or other statistical methods to assess business performance and inform strategic decisions.
• Analyze customer and usage data to identify revenue opportunities, new trends, track KPIs, and provide actionable insights to management and senior leadership.
• Manage the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue reports for internal stakeholders.
• Support business planning and budgeting efforts by providing revenue projections and analysis of key performance drivers and collaborating with business partners to develop budget assumptions.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of revenue reporting and forecasting.
• Serve as a key subject matter expert in all revenue-related matters.
• Provide analytical support to all levels of management, including ad-hoc reporting.
• Support other stakeholder special projects and ad hoc assignments.
• Drive 'Best Practices' by assessing ongoing effectiveness of existing business applications and technologies.
• Collaborate with affiliated Operational Finance teams, operations representatives and other key stakeholders to deliver effective analysis of results (plan, forecast and actuals).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of approximately 6-8 years of pertinent FP&A experience required (or relevant experience).
• Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Advanced skills in Excel and financial software (e.g., Oracle, SAP).
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to apply complex trend evaluation and scenario modeling techniques.
• Ability to recommend and implement process improvements, work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves

• MBA, MS-Econ, CPA, CFA or advanced degree(s)/certification(s).
• Broad knowledge of SAP ERP and Hyperion/Oracle Financial Planning systems.
• Detailed understanding of the regulatory environment and detailed knowledge of the utility regulations and tariffs in effect in the divisions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and health benefits package.
• Opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.
• Focus on health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.