Business Officer - Western Carolina Power - #000200

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

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.

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

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.