Description

The Fuel Operations Financial Analyst supports daily supply operations through detailed Excel-based reporting, inventory tracking, and coordination across rail, pipeline, transportation, and wholesale activities. This role is designed for a highly analytical individual with strong spreadsheet and modeling skills who is eager to learn complex operational workflows. Prior experience in energy supply is not required; success in this role depends on curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to translate data into operational insight.

Key Responsibilities

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare and distribute daily rail volume and shipping reports to rail branches and management.
• Maintain and enhance Excel-based models and tracking tools used for rail movements, inventory balances, costs, and forecasting.
• Prepare three-year needs models by analyzing gallons sold by location to support future supply planning.
• Maintain average cost of LP purchased and fixed/index gas cost tracking reports.
• Automate the current process and determine use of AI to support the analytics.

Rail Operations & Coordination

• Monitor railcar activity daily and update rail tracking sheets.
• Assist with resolution of rail-related issues, including delayed shipments, cars not moving, and release timing issues.
• Track and organize all rail documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), tank car reports, and empty waybills.
• Create monthly rail shipping plans and orders and distribute to suppliers by the 15th of each month.
• Track railcar detention exposure and prepare monthly detention accruals.

Inventory & Supply Support

• Monitor inventory levels and supply positions to ensure contractual obligations are met each month.
• Track and support inventory requirements across multiple supply points, including SPP, Rush City, Inver Grove Heights, Lemont, Southern Valley, and other locations.
• Identify inventory shortages or imbalances and assist in coordinating solutions when supply is constrained or demand increases.
• Maintain daily MAPL pipeline inventory using the Estream system, including:
• Moving barrels (BBLs) between accounts as needed
• Adjusting nominations based on operational requirements
• Coordinating approvals (PTOs) with pipeline operators
• Balance pipeline and cavern inventories at month-end and roll remaining product balances forward.
• Prepare and submit monthly pipeline nominations, due by the 15th of the prior month.

Transportation & Wholesale Coordination

• Develop and distribute a monthly transportation schedule to transporters.
• Update inventory and transportation plans as conditions change.
• Coordinate wholesale load requests by:
• Recording activity in wholesale tracking sheets
• Placing hauling orders
• Following up to obtain required BOL documentation
• Communicate operational changes to transporters, including pipeline shutdowns, allocations, and load assignments.

Financial & Administrative Support

• Process rail invoices by verifying required supporting documentation.
• Record invoice details in rail tracking systems.
• Coordinate ACH payment requests with accounting.
• Support audit, accrual, and reconciliation activities through accurate documentation and reporting.

Contracts, Compliance & Meetings

• Maintain Excel-based records of supply contracts and swap deals.
• Track contract details and follow up to ensure signed copies are received and filed.
• Assist with preparation of Canadian fuel tax reports for rail shipments (training provided).
• Participate in the weekly Monday Supply Meeting, providing data-driven updates on inventory, rail activity, and transportation status.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, lookups; modeling aptitude)
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn new systems, terminology, and operational processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in data analysis, operations, supply chain, logistics, or finance
• Exposure to inventory tracking, forecasting, or transportation coordination
• Interest in commodities, logistics, or operational analytics

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving
• Learning agility and curiosity
• Operational discipline and follow-through
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data accuracy and integrity