Economic Analyst III - FAD Accounting

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

5d•$86,340 - $125,820•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, performs reviews of the books and records of public utility companies; analyzes company filings and provides expert witness testimony on accounting issues in docketed cases before the Commission. The Illinois Commerce Commission is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. The ICC regulates Illinois investor-owned electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and sewer companies. In addition, the Commission exercises authority over railroad safety and hazardous materials movement, towing companies operating in the Chicago area, and motor carrier insurance requirements. The Commission is responsible under state law for ensuring that the citizens of Illinois receive safe, efficient, and reliable utility service at reasonable costs. The ICC must balance the consumers' needs against the financial needs of the utilities. In the continually changing utility environment, staff also recommend new ways to deal with a marketplace in transition, particularly in the telecommunications and electric sectors, where competition is reshaping the industry.

Requirements

Requires bachelor’s degree in accounting. A bachelor’s degree in another field PLUS a minimum of one year of regulatory, public accounting, or auditing experience may substitute for the required degree in accounting.
Requires a total of two years of regulatory, public accounting, or auditing experience.
Requires superior oral and written English communication skills.
Requires extensive knowledge of the personal computer and its related software programs and applications, including, at a minimum Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Requires the applicant to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Requires infrequent travel for participation in meetings, hearings, training, and other associated events.

Nice To Haves

Prefers an advanced degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field, with coursework in composition, business writing, communication skills, and computer use.
Prefers a CPA certificate or continuing education to fulfill the requirement for CPA licensure or other accounting-related designations.
Prefers experience with regulation of, or working for, a regulated public utility.
Prefers experience that reflects an ability to design a plan to review the financial transactions of a company while working under the pressure of multiple deadlines.
Prefers experience reading, understanding, and applying laws, rules, regulations, and court opinions.
Prefers experience preparing written testimony and technical reports.
Prefers experience presenting complex accounting issues in a manner that is easily understood by non-accountants.
Prefers experience presenting and defending testimony and/or technical reports in a courtroom or other similar setting.
Prefers experience related to litigation support, including but not limited to assistance with preparation of legal briefs, cross examination questions, oral arguments, and other modes of trial preparation.

Responsibilities

Reviews and evaluates information complex provided by utilities, performs reviews of the utilities’ books and records in accordance with standard guidelines, develops data requests, identifies issues that need further review and develops adjustments as appropriate.
Prepares written testimony that set forth opinions and positions on pertinent accounting issues and present proposed adjustments.
Develops cross-examination questions for staff counsel to ask company and intervenor witnesses.
Presents expert witness testimony in Commission hearings.
Assists in the preparation of briefs.
Performs research of accounting issues and other related matters that affect public utilities.
Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Benefits

A Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)