We are seeking a technically strong and detail-oriented Utilities Analyst to support the Utilities Manager in overseeing utilities billing accuracy, consumption monitoring, recoveries, municipal query resolution, and leakage investigations across a multi-site property portfolio.
This is a highly analytical role requiring a deep understanding of how utilities function from a technical, tariff, and calculation perspective. The successful candidate will conduct detailed reconciliations, investigate over- and under-recoveries, analyse municipal charges, and ensure recoveries align with metering data and tenant billing structures.
The role requires strong Excel capability, numerical confidence, and the ability to interrogate data thoroughly.
Utilities Reconciliations & Deep Dive Analysis
- Perform detailed monthly reconciliations between:
- Council bills
- Meter readings
- TPS recoveries
- Tenant billings
- Identify and investigate over-recoveries and under-recoveries.
- Analyse charges by type:
- kWh
- kVA / demand charges
- Service fees
- Network charges
- Surcharges
- Conduct site-level deep dives into major variances.
- Prepare reconciliation working papers and variance summaries.
- Highlight systemic issues affecting recovery performance.
- Support corrective action planning to improve recovery ratios.
Leakage Monitoring & Reporting
- Compile and update monthly leakage reports after billing runs.
- Identify Top 10 high-risk sites requiring intervention.
- Monitor trends in consumption vs billing vs recoveries.
- Track historical performance to identify recurring problem areas.
- Escalate significant anomalies to the Utilities Manager.
Municipal Queries & Council Liaison
- Log and track all municipal billing queries per region.
- Assist in investigating incorrect billing, tariff misapplications, and meter discrepancies.
- Liaise with council representatives and council runners.
- Support follow-ups on outstanding queries until resolution.
- Verify and reconcile municipal credits once processed.
- Maintain clear documentation of all queries and resolutions.
Metering Oversight & Verification
- Review metering data for inconsistencies or irregularities.
- Identify properties requiring check meters.
- Reconcile council readings against billed consumption.
- Flag faulty meters or abnormal readings.
- Assist with verification of utilities billing disputes.
- Maintain a master metering issue log.
Vacancy & Consumption Monitoring
- Identify vacant units with active consumption.
- Analyse vacancy-related recovery leakage.
- Cross-check vacancy status across systems.
- Flag potential recovery risks caused by incorrect vacancy classification.
Data Management & Spreadsheet Reporting
- Maintain structured reconciliation spreadsheets.
- Build and update Excel models for recovery tracking.
- Prepare supporting schedules for management reporting.
- Assist in automating recurring reconciliation processes where possible.
- Ensure data integrity across all utilities trackers.
Requirements
- Qualification in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or related analytical field preferred.
- 2–5 years’ experience in utilities analysis, billing reconciliation, or consumption cost recoveries.
- Previous experience working in a Utility Department at a property company advantageous.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliation models, variance analysis).
- Strong understanding of:
- Electricity tariffs (kWh, kVA/demand structures)
- Municipal billing structures
- Service fees and surcharges
- Tenant recovery methodologies
- Solar power
- Strong numerical reasoning and reconciliation capability.
- Ability to interpret consumption patterns and billing logic.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy of utilities reconciliations.
- Reduction in under-recoveries.
- Timely resolution of municipal queries.
- Reduction in billing discrepancies.
- Improved recovery ratios across portfolio.
- Quality and clarity of reconciliation reporting.
- Identification and correction of systemic recovery issues.
Desired Skills:
- utilities
- utilities management
- tenant billing
- municipal billing
Desired Qualification Level:
- Grade 12 / Matric
About The Employer:
We focus on perfection, on finding the absolute top executive for your recruitment needs. Where other agencies may hire for every role within an organization or across a number of verticals, we have selected to remain within specific industries.
Our niche approach ensures that we know and understand your requirements and have the right relationships and expertise to find the perfect executive or perfect placement for every candidate.