Business Planning & Forecasting Analyst

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Manager, Corporate Planning, the Business Planning & Forecasting Analyst under limited supervision, analyzes financial data by collecting, monitoring, and studying data. Studies will involve standard and self-designed techniques and practices and will require independent judgment on procedures of difficult complexity. The incumbent compiles, analyzes and presents information regarding our current and forecasted load, rates, revenue and costs, as well as the related impact on future generation planning, and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) cost and revenue position as it impacts WFEC members. The incumbent also prepares and develops companywide long-term forecasts by collecting raw data and modeling the results to present, as appropriate, to each Cooperative member as well as the WFEC Board of Trustees and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for approval. Incumbent shall also provide analytical support and reports on an as-needed basis. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include the following; other duties may be assigned. Is responsible for the Cooperative's financial forecasting process. Provides required data necessary for financial modeling, modifies the model, reviews results of cases and scenarios, reports the results of the financial modeling studies clearly in writing with applicable visual graphics, and analyzes the financial model output, making recommendations related to load forecasting. Works with WFEC members and various internal staff to develop member load and WFEC financial forecast, as well as prepare analysis reports to support other areas of the organization. Gathers data from various sources, analyzes load requirements, rates, revenues, and costs, as well as reviews alignment of associated RUS approved forecasts with the Cooperative's strategic plan, business goals, rate philosophy, policies and practices. Interacts with the management of member distribution cooperatives, in addition to WFEC staff and management. Monitors the prospect of new load growth and potential loss of load, to forecast and communicate the impact on WFEC member's system, in addition to WFEC's long-term goals. Prepares and files the annual Load Forecast as required by RUS. Prepares required filings and schedules. Serves as the primary contact with the regulatory agency staff and manages that relationship as it relates to the Load Forecast. Assists member cooperatives in understanding the Load Forecast and how each load impacts WFEC, as well as supports and answers the questions of WFEC members, the Board of Trustees, RUS, credit rating agencies and others regarding the Forecast. Designs, develops, implements and administers computer models for load research data collection, analysis and reporting; coordinates activities of other staff involved with various aspects of the load research process: a) Collect data; b) Create reports; c) Analyze the results; and d) Recommend changes. Prepares analysis reports to track actual load, demand and energy consumption, compared to the forecast. In conjunction with member cooperatives, the incumbent researches and resolves any reported discrepancies. In conjunction with other departments, the incumbent designs, develops, and maintains a system for storage, analysis, and reporting of customer usage history. Analyze and interpret data for projects including: a) Customer load analysis; b) Load survey reporting; c) Cost analysis; and d) Revenue analysis. Creates reports showing changes in data from previous years while researching and explaining the source of the change. Conducts residential consumer surveys: a) Preparation of questionnaire for consumer survey, b) Coordination with members to mail survey, c) Input responses, d) Interpret results, and e) Prepare final survey reports. Participates in Southwest Power Pool through working groups, task forces or data requests, as well as interacts with applicable state regulatory commissions for specific data requirements. 

Develops associated companywide, long-term forecasts including collecting and converting raw data, modeling, producing tables and charts, and preparing final reports to coordinate with members. Performs production costing simulation, analysis and other analytical support for financial planning, operational studies and other areas as needed. Assists with the development of pricing strategies and philosophies by applying economic theories to engineering, marketing, and customer service issues. Assists with the preparation of the revenue budget by providing and analyzing data for margin requirements. Provides support updating the Cost of Service Study by compiling data and evaluating revenues and expenses. Identifies and improves WFEC's financial standing by comparing and analyzing actual results with forecasts, while monitoring outcomes, identifying variances and trends, as well as recommending actions to management. Makes written and/or oral audit report presentations to management. Performs special assignments at the direction of management. 

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Analysis/Design: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures; Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail. 

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Professional Knowledge: Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into applications; Uses feedback to modify recommendations; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. 

Oral and Written Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. 

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.                                                                                                           

Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans. 

Project Management: Develops project plans; Coordinates projects effectively; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.  

Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; accepts responsibility for own actions. 

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change; delays, or unexpected outcomes. 

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers. 

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources. 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors required of this position. 

Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Accounting, or a related field and a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in any combination of the following areas:  Electric utility load forecasting or financial forecasting. The equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Experience can be substituted for education at the rate of two (2) years of experience for one (1) year of education. Education can be substituted for experience at the rate of two (2) years of education for one (1) year of experience. 

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of employees, managers, clients, customers, and the general public. 

Math Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, calculus and differential equations. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Computer Skills: Proficient in the use of a personal computer and Microsoft Office software including Excel. Experience with an enterprise wide financial information system and querying processes including Excel. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: This position requires a current driver's license. 

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: This job may require a work schedule in excess of a 40-hour work week and travel on short notice. This position normally works a weekday daytime schedule but may be required to work additional hours to meet deadlines and may be required to travel on short notice. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to normal. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as "safety sensitive".