Lead Finance Analyst

Power Your Career. Empower Our Community

Dakota Electric Association is more than an electric utility—we’re a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative serving over 117,000 members. Ranked among the top 25 electric distribution cooperatives in the nation, we put people first: our members, employees, and the communities we call home.

Join a team where your work truly matters. You’ll help deliver reliable energy while strengthening the bonds that make our cooperative thrive. Based in Farmington, MN, our culture is built on safety, reliability, and member-focused service. Founded in 1937, we are an organization guided by integrity, environmental stewardship, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

 Lead Financial Analyst

Step into a high‑impact role where your financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical expertise will shape strategic decisions and support key regulatory work. As the Lead Financial Analyst, you’ll independently drive complex financial projects, build and maintain advanced models, prepare regulatory filings, and contribute to budgeting and month‑end processes. You’ll collaborate across teams, streamline financial processes through technology, and play a central role in delivering accurate, insightful financial reporting.

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves analytical challenges, autonomy, and making a meaningful difference in a forward‑thinking organization.

 Compensation & Benefits

Target Salary: $125,00 - $155,000 annually

We also offer a robust and competitive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with 6% employer contribution plus up to 4% match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA options
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and wellness reimbursement
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer time, sick leave, and personal days

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics,or business administration is required. An MBA degree is preferred
• Seven years of progressive experience in finance with an emphasis on Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and/or complex financial modeling 
• Utility industry experience is preferred

 Key Competencies:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High level of knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures
• Ability to develop business applications through computerized systems, including working with large data sets, and developing meaningful reporting
• Must have advanced Microsoft Excel skills and be proficient with other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work with all levels within the organization, including senior management. 
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work with confidential data and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and see tasks through to completion. 
• Self-motivated, with the ability to learn quickly. Possesses solid business acumen and able to incorporate into the role. 

Responsibilities:

• Independently own and execute, with minimal direction, the development and maintenance of financial models that support strategic initiatives and business decisions
• Be proficient modeling all key financial statements and metrics
• Prepare and analyze regulatory filings and ad hoc analysis
• Work cross-functionally with stakeholders 
• Develop clear and compliant results
• Organize and document information 
• Complete the monthly accounting necessary to comply with the regulatory requirements of DEA
• Track actual results against budget assigned for both general ledger accounts and projects, and analyze and report variances
• Prepare journal entries as needed
• Reconcile specific accounts as needed
• Assist with the coordination and development of the annual operating budget for DEA
• Act as key resource for cost center managers and business leaders 
• Prepare consolidated budget results
• Lead projects and assignments 
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Responsible for meeting deadlines 
• Accountability for results 
• Continually analyze accounting procedures, records and reports for accuracy and usefulness to the organization and recommend identified changes to management
• Support treasury functions of the organization as needed 
• Perform other duties, special projects and ad hoc analysis as assigned
• Provide backup coverage for key finance tasks
• Assist with development of less experienced staff