Program Consultant - Utility Finance & Energy Efficiency

ZipRecruiter; Newark (NJ); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative consulting firm is seeking a Program Consultant to support energy efficiency initiatives. This role involves leading financial analysis, forecasting, and continuous improvement efforts for utility clients. You will be responsible for managing budgets, analyzing variances, and ensuring accurate financial tracking while collaborating with diverse teams. Join a purpose-driven organization that values impact and offers a hybrid work environment, competitive compensation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is a unique opportunity to drive real change in the utilities sector and contribute to a sustainable future.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Full benefits package

Hybrid flexibility

High-performance culture

Impactful work

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in financial analysis, especially in utilities.
• Expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and investment evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage forecasts and budgets for energy efficiency programs.
• Analyze actuals vs. forecast and conduct variance reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to communicate financial insights.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

Utility Accounting Standards

Excel

Process Improvement

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Financial Modeling Tools

Reporting Tools

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Program Consultant – Utility Finance & Energy Efficiency
Location: Newark, New Jersey

Hybrid – Up to 3 days in the office

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, women-owned consulting and advisory firm exclusively serving the power and utilities sector. We help utilities deliver energy programs, manage capital projects, and improve operational performance.

We're hiring a Program Consultant with strong utility financial experience to support energy efficiency initiatives. You’ll lead forecasting, financial analysis, and continuous improvement efforts supporting one of our utility clients—while helping document and streamline core financial processes that keep the program running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage bottom-up forecasts and budgets for energy efficiency programs

• Analyze actuals vs. forecast and conduct variance reviews with internal and client teams

• Apply utility accounting standards to ensure accurate financial tracking

• Evaluate energy savings, program ROI, and investment performance

• Document financial workflows and identify opportunities for process improvement

• Lead initiatives that improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting speed

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across program, finance, and engineering teams

• Communicate financial insights clearly to technical and non-technical audiences

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or related field

• 6+ years of experience in financial analysis and/or accounting—must include utilities or energy program work

• Expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and investment evaluation

• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills; reporting tool proficiency a plus

• Experience with utility regulatory and reporting requirements

• Strong communicator with the ability to translate data into decisions

• Process-driven and improvement-minded

Why CARIAN

• 100% focused on power and utilities

• Trusted by Fortune 500 utility clients

• Competitive compensation and full benefits package

• Hybrid flexibility with high-performance culture

• Work that drives real impact—from energy savings to grid resilience

CARIAN takes pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of , , , , , , , citizenship, expression or , status as a veteran, and basis of or any other federal, state, or local legally protected class.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, CARIAN is committed to providing employment opportunities to women, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.