Utilities Accountant

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness rewards

Health savings account

Deferred compensation

Pension plans

Leave policies

Education reimbursement

Life insurance

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) seeks a Utilities Accountant to advocate for Indiana utility customers before the IURC. You will apply accounting principles to review financial records and rate requests, write testimony, and present analyses with professional rigor.

Candidates should have strong communication, be able to handle multiple cases, and work with a team of attorneys, economists, and engineers. This is a full-time state government role in Indiana.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum of two years agency or industry experience.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting or CPA certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop skilled, technical opinions through analyses of all relevant utility applications, petitions, testimony, schedules, and exhibits.
• Gather information through data requests, onsite audits, and other research methods as necessary.
• Summarize large amounts of data and testimony.
• Draw conclusions from research to build case foundations and contribute to case development.
• Prepare quality, persuasive testimony and exhibits to support OUCC case positions.
• Serve as case team leader, and a significant contributor responsible for addressing multiple issues.
• Consistently provide articulate written testimony and oral testimony under cross-examination at public hearings.

Skills

Strong written/verbal communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Master’s Degree or CPA preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About

About the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC):

The OUCC represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem-solving. Click here to learn more about the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.

Role Overview

The Utilities Accountant assists as an advocate for utility customers in matters before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) by applying accounting principles and practices and performing reviews of financial records and utility operations.

Utilities Accountants are needed for conducting the financial analyses and auditing necessary to evaluate the financial condition and performance of regulated utilities and to render expert judgment on utility requests for rate changes before the IURC.

The selected candidate will plan and perform reviews of utility books and records, financial statements, and other information, such as Form 1 filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

This role is as a professional analyst for the Agency. Duties are performed with limited to moderate supervision and require self-motivation, discipline, and initiative. The individual is expected to serve primarily as a skilled technical witness in utility ratemaking and matters of public policy.

This role requires extensive testimonial writing. We are seeking a candidate with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $70,844.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Responsibilities Include

A Day in the Life:

• Develop skilled, technical opinions through analyses of all relevant utility applications, petitions, testimony, schedules, and exhibits.
• Gather information through data requests, onsite audits, and other research methods as necessary.
• Summarize large amounts of data and testimony.
• Draw conclusions from research to build case foundations and contribute to case development.
• Prepare quality, persuasive testimony and exhibits to support OUCC case positions.
• Serve as case team leader, and a significant contributor responsible for addressing multiple issues.
• Consistently provide articulate written testimony and oral testimony under cross-examination at public hearings.
• Assist other OUCC staff with projects while maintaining regular personal workload.
• Anticipate problems and develop alternatives in advance.
• Take appropriate decisive action to achieve agency and division goals and objectives.
• Work with multi-disciplinary project teams that include attorneys, economists, accountants, engineers, and other specialists.
• Proactively maintain required level of professional knowledge through timely review of modifications to principles, standards, federal and state laws, and legal decisions.
• Ability to perform duties in a confidential and professional manner.
• Review current utility regulatory practices and theories.
• Engage in continuous personal and professional development.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Credentials

What You’ll Need for Success:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum of two years agency or industry experience.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting or CPA certification is preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Must possess strong written and verbal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams to meet deadlines.
• Ability to produce work product in a well-organized manner.
• Ability to make objective and well-reasoned recommendations.
• Extensive computer skills in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel.
• Ability to work on and/or manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Able to understand detailed cost of service and rate design studies.
• Ability to summarize and communicate complex technical issues.
• Able to work with tight deadlines under demanding conditions.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .