Chief Financial Officer

Organization Overview

El Paso Water Utilities (EPWater) is a municipal public utility providing regional water, wastewater, and stormwater services. EPWater serves approximately 860,000 residents, including retail and wholesale contracts, with more than 260,000 connections.

While the utility is a component unit of the City of El Paso, it operates under the Public Service Board. EPWater is an enterprise entity that does not collect ad valorem property taxes. EPWater’s FY 2025-26 combined operating, debt service, and capital budget for the Water, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Utility totals $956 million. Revenue for FY 2024-25 is projected to be $400 million. The Stormwater Utility’s operating, debt service, and capital budget is $101 million for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Revenue for FY 2024-25 is projected to be $40 million.

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, El Paso has three water sources – the Rio Grande and two aquifers. EPWater was an early adopter of reclamation, conservation, and desalination. Today, EPWater is considered an international leader in these areas and is home to the largest inland desalination plant in the world. EPWater participates in regional water planning and has developed a 50-year water plan.

With more than 1,200 budgeted employees, EPWater has fostered a culture that feels like a family and is built on values of service, innovation, safety, and teamwork. For additional information on EPWater, visit:

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the strategic oversight and coordination of financial and support service operations within the organization, including finance, budgeting, accounting, property and treasury management, cashiering, purchasing and contracts administration, and asset management. The CFO will directly oversee three utility assistant CFOs, plus a staff of around 45. The department’s operating budget for FY 2025-26 is approximately $7.4 million.

The CFO will have the opportunity to shape EPWater’s financial trajectory over the next decade. Responsibilities include formulating a comprehensive financial plan, sourcing funding for capital projects, and overseeing the financial management of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This pivotal position requires expertise in financial management and strategic resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. The CFO will drive the modernization and automation of systems, accounting processes, and purchasing and contracts protocols. Through strategic planning, the CFO will lead initiatives to optimize workflows and elevate technological capabilities, positioning the organization for continued success.

As a strategic leader, the CFO will prioritize talent development and succession planning to ensure a skilled and empowered workforce, fostering a culture of mentorship and continuous learning to cultivate an organization of resilience and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Comprehensive oversight of revenue and expenditures across the Water and Wastewater Utility and the Stormwater Utility.

Rigorous analysis of revenue sources, operating expenses, rate studies, and capital expenditures to inform budgetary decisions aligned with both short- and long-term financial plan objectives.

Formulation of recommendations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Development and implementation of annual operating, debt service, and capital budgets and comprehensive financial plans for the two utilities, in adherence with established policies and directives.

Collaboration with internal stakeholders to identify and pursue grant funding opportunities and low-interest loans, necessitating effective engagement with governmental agencies and external partners.

Oversight of numerous items and areas, including:

Approval of disbursements; assurance of funding availability for contractual obligations.

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Internal and external audit reports. Responsibility for responding to observations and recommendations from auditors.

Cash management and investments in compliance with EPWater’s Investment Policy and Public Funds Investment Act of Texas.

Issuance of debt to repay outstanding Extendable Commercial Paper notes, including meetings with Rating Agencies and meetings and presentation to the Public Service Board and City Council for approval of annual authorization for the issuance of debt.

Financial reports and quarterly financial and investment reports to the Public Service Board.

Executive Skills and Requirements

Undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees and certifications preferred.

Eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting or financial management including four years in a municipal or government agency or utility, and four years management or supervisory experience.

Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting, auditing, and financial reporting procedures and standards.

Good knowledge of IRS and other tax laws and regulations related to local government.

Familiarity with the Texas Public Funds Investment Act and municipal, state, and federal procurement laws.

Comprehensive knowledge of practices related to the cash management and investment of public funds, debt issuance procedures, rating agency evaluations, and oversight of debt issuance and retirement.

Considerable knowledge of internal control methods and computer hardware/software, including accounting and auditing, automated accounting databases, and management information systems.

Experience in assessing and vetting utility rate projection studies and presenting alternatives for consideration.

Ability to interpret federal, state, and city laws, rules, and regulations related to utility administration, as well as labor and occupational safety and health rules and regulations.

Public speaking and public relations skills and methods to persuade, negotiate, and/or mediate funding issues.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with board members, coworkers, city and county elected and administrative officials, vendors, contractors, regulatory and funding agencies, and the public.