Accounts Examiner

The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is a small, independent state agency that acts as the advocate for consumer interests in matters which may affect Connecticut consumers relating to electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications.  The OCC is a statutory party to all proceedings before the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and is authorized to appear and participate in any regulatory or judicial proceedings, federal or state, in which the interests of Connecticut utility consumers may be involved. In addition to representing consumer interests before PURA, the OCC participates actively in proceedings before federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) and the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), state and federal courts, and promotes the interests of consumers at the Connecticut legislature and in regional and national forums.

The OCC’s work covers a wide range of topics, including:

·        Wholesale and retail electric and gas markets and rates;

·        Water rates, infrastructure, and resource planning;

·        Energy infrastructure (e.g., gas pipelines; electric transmission lines); ·        Energy efficiency and demand response;

 ·        Utility service quality and storm response;

·        Renewable energy, distributed generation, and grid modernization; ·         Electric vehicles and energy storage;

 ·        Policy development on issues relating to electricity, natural gas, and water; and

·        Telecommunications service, service quality, and infrastructure, broadband access, and telecommunications policy.

The OCC currently has a job opportunity for an Accounts Examiner. This position will be part of a team comprised of motivated , highly-skilled people trained in a variety of technical fields such as accounting, finance and rate design. The team works with attorneys in energy and utility law and participate in utility proceedings in electric, gas, water, telecom and cable industries.

The position is located at Ten Franklin Square, New Britain, CT. The position is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume with the application submission. 

Qualified current State employees being considered for further steps in the hiring process may be required to submit their last two performance appraisals while qualified non-state employees being considered for further steps in the hiring process may be required to submit two letters of reference.   

This is a competitive position. Open to the public.

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the examination of financial records of state agencies, businesses, municipalities or other entities.

Conducts or participates in examinations of financial records and documents of state agencies, businesses, municipalities or other organizations which are monitored by the state; prepares for examinations by reviewing prior audit reports, financial statements, budgets or other available data; for an on-site audit meets with officials of organization being examined to discuss audit procedures, answers questions and obtains necessary information and records; utilizes EDP systems for financial records, reports and analysis; examines various financial records including revenue, expenditure, payroll and grant accounting; examines and reconciles accounting records with supporting data, such as vouchers, invoices and cash receipts; determines compliance of various complex financial documents with applicable regulations; examines accounting methods and procedures to ensure compliance with accepted accounting principles, laws and regulations and state or federal requirements; for an on-site audit reviews and discusses audit findings with officials of organization audited; prepares unit reports explaining results and making recommendations; may participate in hearings or conferences; may prepare remittance schedules for collection or delinquent accounts and arrange for attachments as required; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of and ability to apply professional accounting and auditing principles and practices; knowledge of and ability to apply relevant statutes and regulations; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze financial records, documents and reports; ability to prepare comprehensive reports including narrative and statistical sections; ability to utilize EDP systems for financial management.

Six (6) years of experience in accounting or auditing.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at the paraprofessional level. Work at the paraprofessional level requires the exercise of some independent judgment in applying basic accounting principles and may be compared to the level of a full charge bookkeeper. For state employees this is the level of Assistant Accountant.

1. College training in Accounting or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in Accounting may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. Certification in any of the following may be substituted for one (1) year of the General and Special Experience: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor.
4. Two (2) years of experience as an Assistant Accountant may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.