Regulatory Financial Analyst - Various Levels

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Ohio Consumers' Counsel advocates and educates to secure for Ohioans affordable, reliable, and equitable residential utility services that are essential to their well-being. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, the State's voice for millions of Ohio residential utility consumers, seeks an employee with a passion for public service to serve as Regulatory Financial Analyst in the Analytical Department. This position is an opportunity to help consumers, including at risk and low income Ohioans, regarding their electric, natural gas, telephone, and water utility services. Since the legislature created the agency in 1976, we have sought lower utility bills and reliable utility service for residential consumers. At OCC, we put Consumers First. We currently offer a hybrid work environment. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Laurie Knight at [email protected].

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in utility regulation.
• Familiarity with utility regulatory proceedings, accounting, finance, rate-making principles, economics, and/or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with working with and synthesizing large datasets.
• At least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or economics or other related degree.
• Excellence in oral and written communications, including persuasive writing and making technical issues understandable.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (including Excel, S&P Global, Word, and Outlook, SQL- a plus), online research, and other technology used in consumer advocacy is expected.
• The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis).
• This position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Nice To Haves

• A graduate degree is preferred.
• SQL is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research, analysis, technical and persuasive writing, and written and oral presentations for utility consumer advocacy in such forums as the PUCO and FERC.
• Written and oral presentations can include testimony and cross-examination in hearings.
• Work with analysts, attorneys, retained experts, and others on projects, including legal cases, for consumer protection.
• Analyze and dissect complex economic issues in utility filings.
• Deep dive into revenue requirements, including rate base, O&M, depreciation, and taxes.
• Assess the impact of proposed rate changes on consumer bills.
• Represent OCC as a witness in regulatory proceedings (standard rate cases, alternative ratemaking, grid modernization, capex riders, etc.).
• Leverage financial expertise to analyze financial statements and return on equity models (i.e., CAPM, DCF).
• Utilize industry-leading market intelligence platforms to stay ahead of trends (S&P Global).
• Collaborate with PUCO, utilities, and consumer advocates to reach fair settlements.
• Become familiar with PJM energy and capacity markets including standard service offers (SSO/SCO) auctions.
• Manage and improve a database of historical tariffs.
• Assist in crafting public comments and legal discovery requests.
• Build strong relationships with regulators and advocate for consumer interests.
• Stay current on industry developments through conferences and training (EUCI, EEI Rate School).
• Partner effectively with legal, public affairs, and operations departments.
• Share expertise and insights with leadership.
• Guide and mentor analytical department interns.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )
• Flexible Hybrid Schedule
• Modern Workspace
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.
• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period.
• Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.
• Employee Development Funds
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)
• Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level