Program Specialist Jobs in New Jersey

Requisition ID: 109992

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People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

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About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

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Important Information

Posted range is $70,690-118,100

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Senior, Capital Program Specialist is responsible for all financial aspects of Enterprise Capital Program Management (CPM) and associated governance related to policies, practices, procedures, controls, and reporting. Assist in the strategic enhancement of the Enterprise and Operating Unit's capital program to meet key business and Regulatory drivers. Serves as a companywide resource for financial aspects of Capital Program Management (CPM). Act as strategic partner with state Engineering team providing clarity, guidance and support for plan development and month and annual capital reporting.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the coordination and consolidation of the 5-Year Capital Business Plan and Quarterly Reforecasts. Analyzes and assures that all financial information is sound including updates with Actuals, calculation of AFUDC, calculation of labor OH, calculation of engineering OH, and reflection of in-service dates for depreciation forecasting.
• Functions of the lead role for monthly reviews of the Enterprise Capital Budget and Capital Program Management (CPM) meetings. Support in the development of agenda and minutes for approval or projects, validation of SOX Controls, and overall review of the Capital Program.
• Design and develop training programs for Project Managers specific to the financial aspects and use of PowerPlan, SAP and other systems (i.e., eBuilder) related to engineering/capital projects. Provides input for potential enhancements and modifications to those systems. Serves in the lead role for training and other company-wide capital initiatives.
• Perform all monthly, quarterly, yearly, and ad hoc capital reporting using PowerPlan and SAP and other tools for both internal purposes and external purposes where applicable (Corporate CPM Committee, BRIS, SOX, SEC, Utility Commission, etc.). Develops companywide reports as needed.
• Serve as primary liaison between Engineering/Capital and Accounting, Finance, Rates, Tax, and Utility Plant Accounting on all Capital Program Management (CPM) topics. Ensures all capital financial data and costs are accurately provided to Finance Representative.
• Provide support on Enterprise-Wide projects and initiatives related to Capital Program Management including, but not limited to, the development of policies and practices, program monitoring and compliance validations, and selection and implementation of software tools.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of capital program management principles within a water and/or wastewater utility environment, including multi-year capital planning, forecasting, and reforecasting.
• Knowledge of utility capital accounting concepts, including AFUDC, labor and engineering overheads, in-service dates, depreciation forecasting, and capital vs. expense treatment.
• Knowledge of financial reporting and analysis for capital programs, including monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of enterprise financial systems supporting capital projects, such as SAP, PowerPlan, and project management or capital tracking tools (e.g., e-Builder or similar).
• Knowledge of regulated utility requirements, including SOX controls, internal controls over financial reporting, and documentation standards.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear financial reports, present complex information to diverse audiences, and effectively listen and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, collaboration, and the ability to build effective working relationships cross-functionally.
• Proficient computer and systems skills, including use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software for financial analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Demonstrated financial analysis skills, including budget management, forecasting, variance analysis, and working knowledge of accounting principles related to capital programs.
• Ability to work independently on complex, large-scope initiatives, managing multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of enterprise financial systems, including SAP and PowerPlan.
• General knowledge of water and/or wastewater utility operations and capital projects, sufficient to collaborate effectively with engineering and operations teams.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, finance, or engineering. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• 5+ years’ experience in capital program financial management, including capital planning and forecasting, financial analysis and reporting.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 10%, as required

Work Environment

• Standard indoor office environment.
• Hybrid work schedule 3 days in the office 2 days offsite.

Certifications & Licenses

• Relevant certifications such as PMP, CPA, Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

Competencies

Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.