Lead Utility Auditor-Evaluator

California Public Utilities Commission; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

California Public Utilities Commission is seeking a Lead Utility Auditor-Evaluator (Senior Management Auditor) in a permanent, full-time role with hybrid telework. The position oversees complex audits across water, energy, and utility programs, and leads junior auditors in planning and execution to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness for California consumers.

The incumbent develops audit methodologies, analyzes evidence, writes comprehensive reports, and coordinates with internal staff.

Qualifications

• Job requires planning, organizing, and leading audits.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead junior auditors on complex financial, management, and compliance audits.
• Develop audit methodologies and audit plans for utility programs.
• Prepare comprehensive written audit reports with findings and recommendations.
• Provide training to other audit staff within the branch.

Job description

Working Title: Lead Utility Auditor-Evaluator

Classification: SENIOR MANAGEMENT AUDITOR

$8,265.00 - $10,785.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Utility Audits, Risk & Compliance Division/ Utility Audits Branch:

Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

Under the direction of the Program and Project Supervisor, the SMA (Specialist) is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading the work of junior level auditors performing various complex financial, management, and compliance audits, such as water and sewer utility audits, balancing account audits, communications audits, CPUC user fees audits, energy program audits, and energy procurement audits. The incumbent acts as a lead in audit engagements and in the field.

The SMA performs in-depth research on federal and state laws, as well as accounting pronouncements that impact public utilities’ costs of services. Develops comprehensive corresponding policies for the CPUC to guide public utilities on their accounting and reporting practices for the purposes of setting reasonable utility rates for California consumers. Analyzes and synthesizes evidence obtained during complex financial and compliance audits and/or oversees or manages complex third-party contracts and/or inter-agency agreements for financial and compliance audits. These audits entail developing comprehensive audit methodologies and audit plans, analyzing and examination of accounts, records, and internal controls, and evaluation of the integrity of utility reports, programs, and other matters that require follow-up and analysis.

The SMA also prepares comprehensive written audit reports describing the results of audits which include identifying problem areas, drawing sound conclusions, and making recommendations for improvements in systems, policies, and procedures. The SMA provides training to other audit staff within the branch.

The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, the ability to work well within a team environment and independently, and to coordinate and/or participate in multiple projects.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than three pages. Please number your responses in the same order as the questions are listed (1–4). Provide separate responses for each of the four questions.

Please write your SOQ to address the following four questions:

• Describe how your education, training, and experience qualifies you for the position.
• Describe your experience leading a team of auditors performing various types of audits in accordance with professional auditing standards.
• Describe your experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive results.
• Describe your experience preparing complex and/or sensitive audit reports.

Final Filing Date: 10/5/2026

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.