Project Expense Analyst

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Responsible for assisting in the enhancement and execution of the Company's purchasing management programs, expense reduction projects, utility reimbursement, utility expense, green energy procurement, sustainability projects, green building certifications, insurance property loss, and ancillary revenue through identifying trends and issues, tracking and analyzing performance, troubleshooting issues, developing alternative solutions or processes, and the execution of special projects and Company initiatives. Position will contribute time and efforts toward UDR's sustainability projects.

Provide business data, operations analysis, and novel solutions. Focus on delivering analytics that drive better and faster decision making across the department and provide solutions to execute and implement in-line with business requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Senior Director - Corporate Services

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Manage and develop relationships with significant purchasing, utility, and environmental third parties contracted to service the Company's communities. Review third-party reporting for accuracy and completeness.
2. Identify various categories of spend that can be efficiently leverage through the Company's contract and purchasing processes.
3. Provide assistance with project management, sustainability projects, and other expense reducing initiatives.
4. Assist with the development and analysis of detailed request for proposals (RFP's) and development of contract management programs and metrics.
5. Gather community expenditure data frequently for analysis purposes. Prepare analyses that identify patterns, trends, or areas loss, and work with the management to develop and implement programs and systems that improve internal processes.
6. Document necessary purchasing, utility, and sustainability policies and procedures and assist with adherence and compliance with those policies and procedures, including Sarbanes-Oxley financial, information technology and sustainability requirements.
7. Manage and develop relationships with property management to assist with purchasing and utility customer service requests and requirements.
8. Oversee monthly Capitalized Labor process and perform roles and responsibilities necessary to ensure completeness and accuracy.
9. Oversee monthly insurance workflow process to ensure company policy compliance and to analyze and explain financial variances. Assist with the identification of expense reducing initiatives related to insurance property loss.

10. Oversee monthly utility reimbursements billing process and perform roles and responsibilities necessary to ensure timely and accurate residential billing.
11. Troubleshoot utility expense, reimbursement, and consumption issues on behalf of property management; analyze and explain variances on financial statements surrounding utilities, repair and maintenance, and contract services expenditures.
12. Provide assistance with purchasing and utility expense and reimbursement forecasting.
13. Provide assistance with the administration of community utility addendums and default settings.
14. Maintain community database of resident billed utility services and related billing attributes. Track future opportunities in these areas.
15. Develop new analytic reports and maintain existing reports.
16. Perform other duties and support as assigned or as necessary.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to think conceptually and translate concepts into practical applications solutions and decisions. Ability to demonstrate and execute practical and effective solutions to problems. Must have a strong work ethic, integrity, and good business acumen. Ability to manage projects from concept, to development, to implementation, to maintenance.

Must have the ability to manage workload, establish priorities, and coordinate work activities. Ability to develop efficient and effective processes that impact the entire organization, and to communicate with managers and staff at all levels of the organization. Demonstrated attention to details, analytical, and organizational skills.

Ability to manage relationships with various vendors and through this effectively grows strategic partnerships. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to write reports, and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.

Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures. Knowledge and understanding of business research principles, processes, and techniques. Knowledge of fiscal management and office management techniques. Follows established policies and procedures in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ability to apply policies and procedures to solve every day and/or complex company issues.

Knowledge of computer systems and applications. Ability to process computer data and to format and generate reports. Must be skilled in work processing, drafting correspondence and memoranda, policies, and procedures, and creating and maintaining databases. Demonstrated aptitude with MS Excel, MS Access a plus. Ability to process computer data and to format and generate reports. Knowledge of computer systems and applications.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment with a typical 40-hour work week. Occasional evening or weekend work will be required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
2. Minimum of two years' experience, in internal of financial auditing, financial analysis, or analytical role.
3. Experience in project management and/or sustainability projects is preferred.
4. Real estate or multi-family industry experience is a plus.
5. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license unless otherwise noted.

UDR is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

UDR is committed to providing and maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment with equitable access and opportunity for associates to participate, grow, and reach their full potential.