Utility Budget Analyst

At Cleco, we're not just powering lives—we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we’re transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco—where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Budget Analyst II is a professional with knowledge of accounting and FP&A analytic principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent works closely with the Generation Financial Support Supervisor and Power Plant leadership to build and maintain budgets and forecasts that enable the business to manage their financial results and achieve their goals. The incumbent with supervisory guidance is responsible for executing on FP&A activities for the plants such as supporting the development of operating plans, capital investments, forecasts, financial analysis, reporting, variance analysis and accurate financial closings. The incumbent collaborates with multiple stakeholders both at corporate and plant levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide input to FP&A and plant strategy development and execution of annual plans that drive year-over-year improvements
• Prepare and participate in the review of consolidated monthly financial results, provide insight to FP&A management; prepare and update functional and plant level forecasts
• Prepare / assist plant management with purchase order creation on a routine basis and proactively acts as required to ensure accuracy; assist in the preparation of monthly accruals as necessary to properly reflect status of projects; work as accounting liaison between accounting functions and plant management
• Support decision-making by providing financial modeling and analysis to FP&A management and plant leadership; provide variance analysis versus business plan budget and prior periods
• Ensure adherence to the annual budget schedule and quarterly forecast updates, assist with preparing/distributing budget calendar and instructions, planning appropriate review meetings and assisting with providing targets
• Develop reports for joint owners as required by the management agreements.
• Develop relationships to be an effective business partner with assigned business functions or subject matter professionals to support FP&A business objectives
• Assist with process automation and design by identifying areas to reduce routine manual tasks
• Contribute innovative ideas and collaborate with the Generation Financial Support Supervisor to develop and drive continuous improvement of FP&A service delivery and processes
• Participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations and enhance efficiency
• Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, sense of belonging, customer service, and operational excellence

Qualifications

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field
• 3-5+ years of related experience
• Working knowledge of relevant state, federal, and local regulations
• Business acumen pertaining to the utility industry
• Preferred experience with Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and process improvement tasks
• Knowledge of leading practices in FP&A
• Planning and project management skills
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job
• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, presenting ideas and opinions in a professional and collegial manner
• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data.

Key Competencies

BEHAVIORAL

• Building Partnerships
• Leading Teams
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Courage
• Building Self-Insight
• Driving for Results
• Energizing the Organization
• Driving Execution
• Building Trusting Relationships
• Driving Innovation
• Planning and Organizing
• Safety
• Establishing Strategic Direction

TECHNICAL                                                                                      

• Financial Reporting & Data Analysis
• Planning, Forecasting, Budgeting
• Industry and Business Knowledge
• Risk Management
• Financial Modeling
• Business Partnering

May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.