Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Austin Energy is more than just an electric utility. We are 1,900 of your friends and neighbors with a mission to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As a community-owned utility, we're a not-for-profit enterprise of the City of Austin working to make sure we can meet and exceed the needs of those we serve.
Austin Energy is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility of the City of Austin, powered by approximately 1,900 employees who live and work in the community they serve. The organization is dedicated to safely delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy, while providing exceptional customer service around the clock. With a strong public service mission, Austin Energy focuses on meeting and exceeding the evolving needs of its customers through operational excellence, sustainability, and community commitment.
Job Description:
Austin Energy Chief Financial Officer
Purpose:
Under nominal direction and with a high degree of autonomy, this position coordinates and administers operations of Austin Energy’s (AE) Finance business units, including Corporate Accounting, Budget and Financial Planning, Financial Risk Management, and Rates & Financial Support for Regulated Operations. As AE’s Chief Financial Officer, this position is responsible for overseeing and administering all financial functions of AE, and also assumes the duties of the utility’s Chief Risk Officer.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Provides strategic financial leadership for all of AE's financial functions.
Collaborates with the General Manager and executive team to develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring it aligns with AE’s operational and capital needs.
Analyzes long-term economic trends, growth projections, and financial performance to prepare AE for future opportunities and challenges, including navigating regulatory shifts and ERCOT market changes.
Leads the Finance and Accounting teams, including budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning, audits, and fiscal reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP and public-sector standards.
Develops and maintains AE’s enterprise risk management framework, identifying and mitigating business risk across the organization.
Coordinates and implements financial strategies.
Develops plans for maintaining financial health of AE, including maintaining high credit ratings.
Identifies rate structures and needs, including overseeing cost of service studies and rate reviews.
Analyzes financial needs and develops short- and long-range strategies, goals, and action plans to meet those needs.
Develops and monitors O&M and Capital budgets and responds to any deviations.
Develops and implements plans that promote completion of business and strategic plans and initiatives to promote the overall financial health of the City of Ausitn.
Prepares and reviews financial reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results.
Represent AE in public forums, providing insight and expertise on financial matters when needed.
Regularly presents financial updates, rate proposals, and other strategic recommendations to City Council, Boards, commissions, and other key stakeholders.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal law as well as City ordinances and policies.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
Knowledge of municipal finance and accounting.
Knowledge of electric utility industry.
Knowledge of municipal and electric utility business operations, processes, practices, issues, and policies.
Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of equity, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
Skill in using software applications to perform data analysis, problem solving, and presentation of information.
Skill in oral and written communications.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in negotiation.
Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting applicable research data.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to train, develop, coach, and mentor staff.
Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.
Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in a field related to the job.
Eight (8) years of relevant utility experience, including four (4) of which were in a high-level managerial capacity.
Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for nonmanagerial experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required: None.
To learn more about the City of Austin's core competencies, including executive competencies, please click here
Notes to Candidate: Recruitment profile available here. To learn more about this role and/or Austin Energy contact diane.kerlin@austinenergy.com
Working with Austin Energy offers a range of health and welfare benefits, including low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.
Please click here for more information.
Regarding Your Application:
A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
The verification of employment history dates on the resume should match those listed in the online Employment Application.
The employment history dates must include the month and year.
This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
To ensure consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by May 5, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process to ensure optimal consideration.
This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in a field related to the job.
Eight (8) years of relevant utility experience, including four (4) of which were in a high-level managerial capacity.
Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for nonmanagerial experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required: None.
