"Business Officer - Western Carolina Power - 000200"

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site at the Cullowhee, NC campus.

This role serves as the primary business and operations resource for Western Carolina Power (WCP), the university-owned electric utility that supplies the Western Carolina University campus and approximately 3,900 community customers. The role is responsible for managing all business and financial activities of WCP, including billing, receivables, collections, reconciliation, purchasing, inventory management, and financial reporting, in accordance with University, State, and Federal standards.

The role guarantees accuracy and accountability in utility billing and customer accounts through the LOGICS system, integration with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and cooperation with field operations. This position is vital in ensuring compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and the regulations set by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other governing agencies.

Additionally, the role ensures operational continuity by overseeing administrative staff, collaborating with Facilities Management and Energy & Utilities leadership, and serving as the primary point of contact for WCP customers on business-related issues. By integrating fiscal management, customer service, compliance, and operational coordination, the position directly supports WCP’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric service to assist Western Carolina University’s academic and community objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

The WCP Business Officer must have a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and university fiscal regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply them accurately in the context of a university-owned public electric utility. The position requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, utility rate structures, and regulatory compliance standards established by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other governing entities.

Proficiency with utility billing software such as LOGICS, as well as the ability to analyze and reconcile complex billing data, is essential. The role requires advanced analytical skills to identify errors, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Experience working with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), meter data management, and integration with financial systems is critical to maintaining billing accuracy and operational efficiency.

The position requires excellent communication and customer service skills to resolve account issues, explain billing information, and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and university partners. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for managing multiple accounts, reconciliations, and reporting deadlines.

The Business Officer must also demonstrate the ability to supervise staff, delegate tasks effectively, and provide training in billing, financial processes, and customer service functions. A solid understanding of utility operations, terminology, and coordination with field crews is necessary to ensure billing accuracy and support service reliability. The role also requires adaptability, professional judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to support WCP’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective services.

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in Microsoft Excel for utility data analysis and financial reporting, as well as experience using LOGIC or similar billing systems. Previous work in an electric utility environment—such as a municipal, EMC, or university-owned system—with knowledge of rate structures, metering practices, and AMI data management is highly desirable. Experience with Banner or comparable ERP systems, along with familiarity with state utility reporting requirements, audit standards, and financial compliance, is preferred. Excellent interpersonal and supervisory abilities, with the capacity to lead staff and collaborate across technical, financial, and administrative teams, will set the candidate apart.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in Microsoft Excel for utility data analysis and financial reporting, as well as experience using LOGIC or similar billing systems.
• Prior work in an electric utility environment, such as a municipal, EMC, or university-owned system, with knowledge of rate structures, metering practices, and AMI data management is highly desirable.
• Experience with Banner or comparable ERP systems, as well as familiarity with state utility reporting requirements, audit standards, and financial compliance, is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to guide staff and work effectively across technical, economic, and administrative teams, will make the candidate stand out.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Reid Conway at tconway@wcu.edu