Sr. Manager, Utility Finance & Vendor Operations

Description

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the utility billing team.
• Create a reporting package for utility expenditures and reimbursements, including ownership/creation of an adaptive and predictive modeling process.
• Mentors and coaches team members to further develop competencies. Leads by example and models behaviors that are consistent with Essex's values.
• Manage utility relationships, including third party billers, across portfolio of properties on behalf of Essex.
• Contribute to strategic sourcing initiatives for new vendors.
• Quarterly ESG dashboard updates and report maintenance.
• Assist Property Operations in resolving residential issues related to utility programs.
• Track projects with utility impact, such as renewable energy upgrades and tax incentives.
• Analyze and respond to proposed utility rate changes on behalf of Essex, pro-actively manage communications to residents about utility hearings, rate tables, and infrastructure investments.
• Decisions made with thorough understanding of procedures, company policies, and business practices to achieve general results and deadlines. Responsible for setting work unit and/or project deadlines.
• Oversee annual budgets and quarterly reforecasting.
• Oversee utility billing transition of developments, acquisitions, and dispositions of properties.
• Manage gas procurement strategy.
• Provides formal supervision to associates within single functional or operational area. Recommends staff recruitment, selection, promotion, advancement, corrective action and termination. Plans and monitors appropriate staffing levels and utilization of labor, including overtime. Prepares and delivers performance appraisal for staff.
• Work with third parties to determine revenue increase opportunities and implement as approved.
• Ensure appropriate expense reimbursement and enhance department processes.

Requirements

• Direct years of experience as a manager, building trust/rapport, and skills to lead, champion, and implement strategic initiatives.
• Associate's degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school required. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university is preferred.
• This role does not require any travel; work is primarily conducted at the office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable and courteous service to customers. Ability to effectively present information.
• Requires the ability to work Monday through Friday. The position includes in-person work requirements consistent with the hybrid policy located at Essex's corporate offices in Woodland Hills or Irvine. The hybrid policy is subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion.
• 5-8+ years of finance/accounting, budgeting, and or billing experience required, including overseeing complex non-routine functions and extensive troubleshooting of “gray area anomalies”.
• Strong proficiency in Excel including knowledge with data modeling and budgeting required.
• Direct experience with contract/vendor and program management skills required.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret documents. Ability to solve problems involving several options in situations. Requires intermediate analytical and quantitative skills.
• Operates in a fast-paced work setting. Requires the ability to multitask and adapt quickly to changing priorities. May involve tight deadlines and high-energy work situations.
• Fully understand utility allocation and reimbursement metrics.
• Property management or utilities experience preferred, but not required
• Work is primarily conducted in an office setting. Requires sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods. Involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Minimal physical effort in the day-to-day tasks.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance