Utility Analyst

Utility Analyst

The Utility Analyst supports the organization's affordable housing portfolio by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on utility consumption and expenses. This role ensures accuracy of utility billing, compliance with utility allowance requirements, and identifies opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements across properties. The Utility Analyst works closely with property managers, compliance staff, and finance to maintain affordable housing regulatory compliance and promote sustainable, cost-effective operations.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions) : This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may expand to include other duties and responsibilities based on business need.

• Track, collect, and analyze utility consumption and cost data across the property portfolio (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash, etc.).
• Monitor utility billing for accuracy, flag variances, and coordinate corrections with vendors or property managers. Reviews funds balances and cost-revenue ratios and identifies existing and projected levels of service for use in long-range planning.
• Identify trends in usage and recommend strategies to reduce consumption and costs.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual utility reports for leadership, investors, and regulatory bodies.
• Reviews estimates of revenue from existing sources as well as from alternative sources of revenue.
• Anticipates financial and operational problems. Analyzes and recommends alternative utility policies, including debt management issues and financing.
• Support preparation and updates of utility allowance schedules in compliance with HUD, LIHTC, and other affordable housing program requirements.
• Maintain utility allowance records, ensuring documentation is accurate and audit ready.
• Collaborate with compliance teams to integrate utility data into rent setting, tenant communications, and reporting.
• Provide data and analysis to support energy efficiency and water conservation initiatives.
• Partner with facilities and asset management to evaluate ROI of efficiency projects (e.g., LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, solar, etc.).
• Monitor progress toward sustainability goals and benchmarks.
• Serve as liaison with utility providers, third-party benchmarking services, and consultants.
• Support contract management related to utility billing, metering, and conservation services.
• Communicate clearly with property staff about utility-related questions and training needs.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to interpret large data sets.
• Knowledge of utility billing practices and affordable housing utility allowance methodologies.
• Ability to communicate complex information in clear, concise ways to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Project and team management / leadership skills and experience.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates.

Education / Experience : Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Sustainability, Public Policy, Business, or related field; or equivalent work experience. 2+ years of experience in utility analysis, energy management, affordable housing compliance, or property management preferred. Proficiency in Excel and property management / accounting software (e.g., Yardi, RealPage, MRI). Familiarity with HUD, LIHTC, or other affordable housing programs strongly desired.

Work Environment / Physical Demands : This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This position requires manual dexterity, the ability to lift files and open filing cabinets. This position requires sitting, bending, stooping, or standing as necessary.

MBS is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer and committed to diversity and inclusion.