STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Utilities Examiner 1

Hybrid

Recruitment #250821-1049AR-001

Introduction



Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's (DEEP) Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is seeking a talented Utilities Examiner 1 to join the Utility Performance and Analysis (UPA) Unit within its Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis (TRA) located in New Britain, CT.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
  • Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees
  • The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • This position is full-time, following a first shift schedule, 40 hours per week, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, scheduled Monday through Friday, with the opportunity to telework and located at Ten Franklin Square, New Britain, CT.
  • This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Connecticut’s energy landscape by modernizing utility regulation and driving improved public utility performance.
  • As a Utilities Examiner 1, you will play a pivotal role in developing and potentially implementing a performance-based regulation (PBR) framework for Connecticut’s electric distribution companies (EDCs). 
  • The PBR proceeding is a transformative initiative that seeks to realign EDC incentives and business models to better serve the public interest while advancing key policy objectives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing customer empowerment.
  • This position offers a dynamic and impactful career opportunity for individuals passionate about energy policy, regulatory economics, and innovative utility solutions. 
Additionally, key topics, programs, or decisions overseen by UPA include:
  • Modernized regulatory and ratemaking mechanisms;
  • Investigating innovative grid technologies for Connecticut; and
  • Coordinating the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and retail electric supply.
      ABOUT US 
      The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

      Selection Plan

      FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

      Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

      BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

      • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 
      • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
      • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
      • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
      • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. 
      • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
      • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

      AFTER YOU APPLY: 

      • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
      • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
      • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. 
      • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
      • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

      QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

      Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alejandro G. Dávila-Hurtado at Alejandro.Davila-Hurtado@CT.Gov


      Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence! 

      PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

      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.

      EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

      • 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.

      KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

      • Considerable knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and practices; 
      • Knowledge of
        • and ability to apply laws and regulations pertaining to public utilities; 
        • utility accounting practices; 
      • Skills
        • 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.

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

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

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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

      PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

      • A master’s degree in economics, environmental studies, sociology, sustainability, political science or urban studies;
      • Experience in analyzing and evaluating utility company or private sector financial statements, accounting records and documents;  
      • Experience participating in accounting audits and company financial statement reviews;  
      • Experience working on performance-based regulation;
      • Experience working with or reviewing clean energy tariffs;
      • Accounting or finance experience pertaining to distributed energy resources, non-wires solutions and innovative grid technologies;
      • Accounting or finance experience pertaining to clean energy including cost-benefit analysis, rate design, bill impact analysis, and cost recovery issues;
      • Experience writing technical reports, regulatory documents, white papers, position papers, policy papers, or academic articles for a general audience that provide conclusions or recommendations supported by documented evidence;
      • Experience presenting materials, including analysis findings and recommendations, to executive level stakeholders;
      • Experience conducting quantitative analysis and synthesizing results;
      • Experience with project management, working on two or more projects simultaneously, while adhering to deadlines; and 
      • Experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications including SharePoint, Teams, and Excel.

      SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

      Conclusion

      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.

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

      As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.