PUBLIC UTILITIES MANAGER

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

4d • $85,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) was established by the Arizona Legislature in 1983 to represent the interests of residential utility ratepayers in rate-related proceedings involving public service corporations before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). RUCO accomplishes this charge primarily through its staff of financial analysts and attorneys. In addition, RUCO participates in a number of policy matters that also affect the rates paid by and services received by residential ratepayers.

This position provides senior level leadership on complex utility regulatory, financial, and accounting matters. Work is performed for electric, natural gas, water/wastewater and telecommunication utility rate cases. Daily review of utility rate filings and miscellaneous applications to determine whether RUCO intervention is appropriate.

Timely and accurately conducts analysis, prepares written testimony and exhibits for rate case filings reflecting RUCO's position. Provides guidance and generates testimony. Testifies as an expert witness on behalf of RUCO at utility hearings before the Arizona Corporation Commission. Prepares data requests for information from utilities for analysis.

Application of the most up-to-date auditing practices and procedures for utility ratemaking. Application of computer software programs for analysis and the development of testimony, exhibits, cross-examination questions and post-hearing briefs. This position supervises five Public Utility Analysts V positions regularly oversees the work of outside consultants.

Requirements

• Knowledge of public utility regulation, property valuation theory and techniques, and current issues affecting utility industry such as diversification and deregulation of services
• Knowledge of computerized products and computer operations used in auditing and accounting systems and practices that will produce needed information in appropriate format
• Detailed knowledge of concepts, procedures and practices of professional auditing and accounting for utilities and ratemaking
• Knowledge of current and proposed Federal and State tax laws affecting utilities and holding companies
• Knowlege of concepts and practices of effective leadership and supervision
• Knowledge of proposed changes in accounting for utilities and ratemaking
• Skilled in interpersonal relations and negotiations as applied to contacts with officials and representatives of governments, utilities, consumers, outside consultants, and other agencies and with staff
• Skilled in intepreting manuals and compute operations to produce appropriate reports and data
• Skilled in interpretation of complex financial and economic data to reach logical conclusions
• Skilled in preparing written testimony, reports and cross-examination questions
• Skilled in presenting oral testimony as a witness
• Ability to understand and perform complex math calculations and concepts
• Ability to communicate both in writing and in public speaking
• Ability to analyze and interpret data
• Must be a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Arizona
• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11)
• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver license appropriate to the assignment

Responsibilities

• Prepares testimony, exhibits and studies to support RUCO's suggested adjustments in rate cases. Ensures compliance with ACC, Federal and State requirements, guidelines and practices. Reviews analysis and recommendations of ACC staff and other intervenors
• Takes lead responsibility for analyzing and evaluating financial and accounting records and systems of utilities requesting increases in rates charged to residential ratepayers, to determine whether RUCO intervention on behalf of customers is appropriate
• Assists legal staff in preparation of cross-examination questions and post hearing filings. Provides analysis and recommendations on rule and policy recommendations related to utility regulation and affordability
• Supervises five Public Utilities Analysts V. Provides guidance, training and coaching for the analysts the position supervises
• Presents testimony and exhibits under oath before the ACC. Oversees outside consultants' testimony and recommendations
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Benefits

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave program
• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed