Utilities Examiner 1

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 Utilities Examiner I. 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 must upload a cover letter with their applications.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.

(Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.)  Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Anne Dana, anne.dana@ct.gov, (860)424-3354.

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 position is competitive. Open to the public.

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Office of Consumer Counsel this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of complex financial statements and statistical exhibits submitted by public utilities companies

Participates in design, preparation and review of annual reports of all utilities required to be filed with agency and auditing of books and records of utilities subject to regulation; participates in design and installation of new accounting systems and revision of established systems; assists in analysis, interpretation and evaluation of complex financial statements and statistical exhibits submitted by utilities in rate cases; assists in development of specifications for computerized financial and accounting models; may conduct cross examination of company witnesses on financial exhibits submitted in rate cases; may draft interrogatories; may assist in the preparation of briefs; may be required to evaluate propriety of proposed issue of securities by Connecticut utilities in light of current security markets and accepted utility capitalization structures; may advise on effects of changes on operating results of utilities subject to agency regulation; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and practices; knowledge of and ability to apply laws and regulations pertaining to public utilities; knowledge of utility accounting practices; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to analyze and evaluate financial statements, accounting forms and accounting methods and procedures; ability to utilize computer software.

Seven (7) years of experience in accounting or auditing.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the professional working level of Accounts Examiner or Accountant.

1. College training in accounting may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (l5) semester hours equalling one-half (l/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in business, accounting or finance may be substituted for one (l) additional year of the General Experience.
3. Certification in any one of the following may be substituted for one (l) additional year of experience: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor.

Demonstrated experience in analyzing, interpreting and evaluating utility company or private sector financial statements,  accounting records and documents; 

Participation in accounting audits and company financial statement reviews; 

Strong oral and writing skills, including report writing.   

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

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.