Operations Control Specialist

ACCIONA Energía is the biggest 100% renewable energy company with no fossil legacy in the world. With more than 30 years of experience and operations in 20 countries on five continents, ACCIONA Energía offers a wide portfolio of tailored energy solutions so that its corporate and institutional clients can meet their decarbonisation goals. This includes the development, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable power plants -mainly wind and photovoltaic technologies-, energy sales and management and marketing, energy services, self-consumption, electric mobility and new technologies such as storage and green hydrogen. ACCIONA Energía is governed by the most demanding environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria.

ACCIONA Energy USA Global is looking for an Operations Control Specialist to join our Operations and Maintenance team based out of our offices in downtown Chicago, IL. The Operations Control Specialist will support the analysis and management of operational expenses to help optimize financial performance and ensure efficient use of resources. Tracking the operations KPI’s (production, availability, others), help identify deviations, risk, action plans and follow up with the different regions. This role involves assisting in budget preparation, data analysis of the operations KPI’s, and cost control initiatives across the different projects in the US & Canada regions.

This role reports to the Manager of Business Analytics and works closely with all sites on a regular basis to provide support and advise on the daily activities of Costs and Operations KPI’s.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, 3 days in the office per week / 2 days remote. Expected travel is up to 40% of the year.

• Gather and compile data from the different systems to analyze operational expense datas.
• Assist in preparing forecasts to support OPEX management.
• Track actual versus budgeted expenses and highlight variances.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly forecasting activities.
• Provide input for the annual budgeting process (OPEX, CAPEX, Production, Availability) by collecting data from the different systems.
• Prepare and present regular reports on OPEX performance and trends.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather financial and operational information for reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of reports to management.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support initiatives to reduce operational expenses.
• Monitor expenses against budgets and support corrective actions when necessary.
• Participate in cost-benefit analyses for proposed projects or initiatives.
• Monitoring operational KPI’s (production, availability, others), to identify deviations and risk to meet the annual goals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to streamline OPEX/CAPEX and Operational KPI’s of the reporting and analysis processes.
•  Assist in the development of tools and templates to enhance efficiency in OPEX management.
• Work closely with finance, operations, and procurement teams to ensure alignment of OPEX-related activities.
• Work closely with different sites to ensure alignment with the different reporting operational tools.
• Continuous communication from the findings and recommendations to managers.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4-5 years of overall professional experience in cost management, financial analysis, and budgeting, with at least 2 of those years being in similar roles and with renewable energy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial software (experience with ERP systems is a plus).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex financial data in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Experience in OPEX or financial analysis within an operational environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Travel: minimum 20% domestic and international
• Possess a working understanding of cost accounting, budgeting, and contract implementation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.