Under the direction of the Controller, the Financial Analyst / Project Accountant (FA/PA) performs advanced financial analysis, project accounting, and reporting to support Friant Water Authority’s (FWA) operational and capital programs. This role is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, project cost tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, funding agreements, and regulatory requirements.
The FA/PA develops financial models, cash flow projections, and performance reports that provide timely, accurate, and actionable insights to management. This position serves as a key financial partner to project managers, department leaders, and external stakeholders, supporting data-driven decision-making.
The FA/PA plays a critical role in supporting the Controller and CFO in financial planning, reporting, audit coordination, and strategic initiatives, while ensuring the integrity of financial data and adherence to GAAP/GASB standards.
Supervision Responsibility
For: No direct reports.
To: Reports to the Controller.
Job Description
Core Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Analysis
• Develop, maintain, and analyze annual operating and capital budgets.
• Prepare long-range financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial models.
• Conduct revenue, expenditure, and variance analyses.
• Monitor budget performance and prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports.
• Evaluate financial impacts of operational, regulatory, and capital initiatives.
• Analyze operational, maintenance, and capital costs to support management decision-making.
• Assist in rate-setting, assessments, and cost recovery analyses.
• Prepare financial reports and presentations for management, committees, and governing boards.
Project Accounting & Cost Management
• Establish and maintain project accounting structures for capital and rehabilitation projects.
• Track project budgets, expenditures, commitments, and funding sources.
• Prepare project cost reports, forecasts, and budget-to-actual analyses.
• Coordinate with project managers to monitor financial performance and project status.
• Ensure proper allocation of labor, equipment, overhead, and indirect costs.
• Support project closeout activities, including final cost reporting and asset capitalization.
Grants, Contracts & Compliance
• Administer financial aspects of state and federal grants, including reimbursement requests and reporting.
• Monitor grant budgets and expenditures for compliance with funding requirements.
• Review contracts, agreements, and funding provisions to ensure proper financial treatment.
• Coordinate with funding agencies, consultants, auditors, and member agencies.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Accounting & Financial Reporting
• Maintain general ledger accuracy, including journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Assist in preparing annual financial statements, audit schedules, and regulatory filings.
• Maintain fixed asset records and oversee capital asset accounting.
• Develop and maintain cost allocation methodologies and support member agency billings.
Cash Flow & Financial Operations
• Manage cash flow forecasting, including short-term and long-term projections.
• Monitor cash inflows/outflows and support accounts receivable and collections processes.
• Ensure effective internal controls over financial processes.
Leadership & Organizational Support
• Serve as a key financial resource and liaison to project managers and department leaders.
• Support the Controller and CFO with budget development, financial reporting, audit preparation, and Finance Committee materials.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to executive management for strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Participate in audits, system enhancements, and process improvement initiatives.
• Perform special projects and ad hoc financial analyses as assigned.
Others
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and required to support business needs.
Ideal Candidate Will Have the Following
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis, project accounting, or governmental accounting.
• Experience with grant accounting and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial analysis, and budgeting.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (Sage Intacct preferred).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of GAAP and, preferably, GASB standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or progress toward certification.
• Experience with public agencies, water districts, utilities, or infrastructure-related projects.
• Familiarity with financial reporting tools (e.g., Solver).
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Contribute to team environment and a positive culture.
• Demonstrate behaviors which are aligned with the organization’s desired culture and values.
• Ability to incorporate safe practices into the performance of job duties.
Working Conditions
This position is based in Lindsay. Requirements include working in an indoor environment. It will occasionally require irregular hours and travel. Intermittent remote work authorized. This position requires the employee to moderate physical activity in periodic walking and lifting to 25 lbs.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Estimated exempt annual salary $90k-$115k.FWA has an excellent benefits package, including generous health, leave, and retirement programs.
Fully paid benefits to the employee.
Health
Dental
Vision
Pension with contributions
Retirement
Jury Duty Compensation
Application
For questions and inquiries, please look us up at www.friantwater.org/employment or contact Vivian Garcia, (559) 562-6305. If interested in this position, please provide a resume and cover letter to hr@friantwater.org by 5:00pm PST July 10, 2026.
FWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FWA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
