Business/Financial Initiatives Analyst

Util-Assist is a leading consulting and services company to electric, water, and gas utilities, with customers throughout Canada and the United States. Utilities today are undergoing an exciting digital transformation; the widespread deployment of smart grid technologies and renewable energy sources is colliding with customer demand for electric vehicles, energy savings, and better customer experiences to produce a dramatic shift in how utilities do business. Util-Assist is at the forefront of that shift.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner in driving digital innovation that reshapes the utility landscape. To bring that vision to life, Util-Assist is leading the way in helping utilities take advantage of the latest developments in utility IT, with growing practices for data analytics and customer experience consulting building on our well-established smart grid procurement and implementation management services. Our managed services division leverages advancements in utility IT systems to deliver a variety of services to utility customers, including outage communications management, managed billing, and AI-enabled substation security monitoring.

Teamwork is key to the success of the Util-Assist family; mutual respect, cooperation, and honesty are hallmarks of our principles. We offer a range of energizing, multi-disciplinary careers in a high-tech industry, with great potential for development and advancement as both the industry and our company continue to grow. Util-Assist’s flexible work environment allows you to work from anywhere, letting you choose the work arrangements that make the most sense for you. We will give you the tools and support to succeed in our business, wherever you are.

We are firmly committed to fostering a welcoming, positive, and diverse workplace. Thanks to our outstanding culture, we are the proud recipients of several national and local awards, including the Employee Recommended Workplace Award (three years running), the York Region Business of the Year award, and the Newmarket Large Business of the Year Award.

The Business/Financial Initiatives Analyst is responsible for providing internal departments with financial support. The incumbent supports the research requirements and financial analysis requirements of the business.

• Lead clients through business case creation and evaluation
• Evaluate financials on client RFPs and make changes as required
• Guide clients through financial outcomes of vendor selection
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for large scale, utility software projects
• Gather data by leading and/or participating in business case workshop sessions with clients and vendors. Understand prioritization of use cases by the client and their regulator and present options and recommendations for the final outcome
• Prepare clients for business case justification with their regulator and if needed, present the recommendation on their behalf
• Conduct research and analyses on economic data/trends and advise management on business implications and forecasting impacts
• Prepare and lead compelling presentations to the clients and their business, finance and executive teams. Explain financial metrics to non-financial audience in accessible terms
• Research and develop data statistical models and technological innovations
• Evaluate financial and operational data to propose optimizations for cost savings, technology enhancements and operational improvements
• Conduct research and analysis for merger and acquisition projects including sale mandates, buy mandates and financial and business modeling

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Advanced financial management and reporting skills
• Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively work collaboratively in a team environment

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS and US GAAP) and financial statements
• Advanced knowledge of AMI costing and required components for implementation
• Advanced knowledge of business valuations, merger and acquisition deal structures and equity analysis
• Nice to have intermediate knowledge of financial requirements in the utility industry
• Nice to have intermediate knowledge of utility meter to cash processes, network and IT operations
• Class G license

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary degree in Finance, Mathematics, Statistics or related discipline
• 2 years’ experience in financial modeling, budgeting and financial reporting
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, economic analysis and business analytics including experience applying these to business issues
• Experience in the Utility Sector (Water, Gas or Electricity) an asset

• Hybrid office environment
• A successful SIN and passport clearance along with a police vulnerability check is required
• In order to satisfy our obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment and to meet the needs and standards of our clients, the successful candidate will be required, as a condition of employment, to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in accordance with Util-Assist’s vaccination policy. Util-Assist will comply with its obligations under applicable human rights legislation to accommodate the successful candidate if unable to receive the vaccine due to medical and/or religious reasons, up to the point of undue hardship. Additionally, if the successful candidate does not provide proof of vaccination, Util-Assist will consider whether the inability to provide proof of vaccination was the result of a lack of availability of the vaccine at the time of offer, or because the start date does not allow for vaccination prior to commencing work, and/or the successful candidate's reason for not being vaccinated. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 may result in an offer of employment being rescinded

• Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements (including working from home)
• The opportunity to work with an innovative company that is on the leading edge of technology
• Plenty of opportunity for career advancement in a fast-growing company
• True team collaboration
• A fun, social, award-winning culture

• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Parental leave top-up
• Three (3) month waiting period to be enrolled into benefits for a full-time employee
  • Benefits (through Sun Life) – 100% employer paid
  • Vision – $200 every 24 months
  • Dental – 80% for preventative and basic procedures, with a max $2,500 per person every 12 months
• Long term disability – 75% of your monthly basic earnings up to a maximum of $8,000
• Life insurance – employee life $25,000, spouse $10,000, child $5,000
• Retirement Plan – 3 month waiting period to join, matching by Util-Assist begins after 1 year of employment
  • Matching 1-4 years: up to 2% of earnings
  • Matching 5-7 years: up to 3% of earnings
  • Matching 8+ years: up to 4% of earnings

Individuals interested in applying please submit resume and cover letter by:

We thank all applicants for their interest in Util-Assist; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Util-Assist is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.