Business Analyst

Job Description

Business Analyst (262)

Education and Experience

At time of application, any education and experience equivalent to:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, engineering, environmental studies or a related area;
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience which has included accounting record keeping, financial and market analysis, resource planning, utility demand-side programs, communication technologies, data management related to customer analysis or other related fields.

License

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license is required at time of application and for the duration of employment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a professional classification in the City’s classified service. The incumbent is primarily responsible for the acquisition and compilation of data, analysis of such data, project management, report preparation, and provision of support for the Utility’s business programs and efforts.

Typical Tasks

Under general direction:

Performs research and analysis related to customer and utility competitor characteristics, behavior, and attitudes; oversees customer surveying activities;
Prepares and disseminates customer profiles and other sensitive customer-related information;
Develops tools and business processes for new products, services and business development, such as utility infrastructure services (fiber optic leasing services);
Budget analysis (project expenditures, revenue collections, and reporting);
Performs benchmarking of Utility against potential and existing competitors;
Performs research and analysis to determine market potential and impact of demand-side management (DSM), customer service and retention programs;
Assists in the development and design of DSM and load-impact programs for customers and evaluates and reports on effectiveness of such programs;
Devises methods and procedures for obtaining, maintaining, and updating market-related data, including collection, coding, and tabulation;
Assists in data evaluation and database development and maintenance;
Studies customer energy consumption and prepares forecasts of short and long term needs;
Performs rate and cost of service studies and assists in analyzing customer retention and the Utility competitiveness impact of new and existing rates;
Confers with City staff, customers, and others as required to conduct project assignments;
Provides technical assistance to City departments and customers on administrative and analytical matters;
Assists in the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of the Department’s budget;
Utilizes computer applications to assist with analytical studies;
Prepares a variety of technical, periodic, specialized reports, and other written materials related to utility business matters;
Maintains current knowledge of utility distribution and consumption trends;
May provide direction for assigned paraprofessional and clerical staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Utility economics and government regulations affecting utilities;
Water, energy, and communications technologies related to utility assets and infrastructure, resources and energy utilization;
Financial issues related to customer energy services;
Computer applications (such as Peoplesoft, Quickbooks, and Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and Powerpoint), databases, spreadsheets including data management.

Ability to:

Apply advanced analysis methodologies;
Interpret and present findings in a clear, concise oral and written form including the creation and use of tables, charts, and graphics to summarize results;
Research and evaluate utility load impacting technologies;
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures;
Prepare and monitor budgets; analyze, design, and evaluate utilities load impacting programs;
Use moderately complex models, accounting models or specialized computer applications
Work independently with minimal supervision;
Coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of Division Manager, a senior-level analyst, or other personnel as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May provide direction to paraprofessional or clerical support staff as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job.

Conflict Of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, March 2007