Manager Budgets at FirstEnergy in Akron, OH

Job description

FirstEnergy at a Glance We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts. About the Opportunity This is an open position within FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The reporting location for this onsite position will be FirstEnergy's corporate headquarters campus, located at 341 White Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320. This Manager Budgets position reports to the Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and leads a team of analysts and is responsible for overseeing the Company’s forecasting software, UI Planner, including process and technical updates. The position is also responsible for supporting the Business Units as they utilize UI Planner for developing budgets and long-range plans. The position is also responsible for leading the development of frequent updates to the Company’s current year forecast (a.k.a., the Pencil List). This position works across the FirstEnergy organization, including the Business Unit finance and regulatory teams, for the planning and execution of budget and forecast inputs as well as development and communication of the overall financial assumptions and targets. Additionally, this position oversees the forecasting software UI Planner, including project management, user interaction, governance, controls and external consultant support. Responsibilities include: Strategically coordinate budgets and forecasts with State/Transmission Finance VPs, assist with coordination and consolidation of information for senior leadership. Be a proactive, strategic thinker, providing advice, recommendations and observations to enhance the financial plans and collaborate with state/transmission finance VPs for inclusion and planning. Respectfully challenge the business and demonstrate a questioning attitude in order to drive the organization towards performance excellence and results. Strong ability to articulate complex financial modeling into concise and meaningful reports and updates to key stakeholders and senior leadership. Demonstrates a spirit of continuous improvement that is shown throughout their organization. Engaging with numerous groups across FE to ensure the accuracy and rigor associated with the key financial inputs that will be utilized in preparing the budget and forecast, and related analysis (e.g. State/Transmission Finance, portfolio management, rates/regulatory affairs, treasury, controllers, etc.). Leading a team of analysts responsible for the company’s budgeting, forecasting, as well as the administration and maintenance of the UIPlanner financial software. Demonstrating and leading a solid commitment to all aspects of FirstEnergy’s core values and behaviors. Supporting and working closely with management on significant, ongoing, and recurring projects such as development of board strategy retreat themes and financial materials; periodic public financial disclosures to investment community (e.g. Fact Book, Strategic & Financial Highlights); and ad hoc requests for information or analysis from the Board and/or executive management. Partnering with HR on the establishment, tracking and communication of the financial KPIs. Ensuring that the communication materials that accompany financial forecast results are cogent, concise, accurate, relevant and appropriate for the intended audience. Reviewing work products of the team of analysts for accuracy, transparency and clarity and advising, developing, and training staff. Monitoring and coaching