Utility and Telecommunications Analyst

State of Oregon

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Opportunity awaits, to be a part of the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), working to help Oregonians as a Utility and Telecommunications Analyst. Our mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable and fairly priced utility services. This position contributes to that mission by participating as a key team member in the Rates and Telecommunications program. This program regulates over sixty water companies at all levels of service and balances the need for regulation and competition in the telecommunications industry. The program also administers the Oregon Universal Service Fund (OUSF), which supports local telephone companies to ensure that basic telephone service is available at affordable rates in higher-cost rural areas of the state. What will you do? The successful applicant for this position will use their work experience, education, economics expertise, and skills in auditing, finance, accounting, to serve as a technical and policy expert on water and telecommunication utility issues: Examines utility financial records, budget data, accounting and tax data, and economic analyses performed by the utility to ensure rates are fair and reasonable. Reviews, analyzes, then presents for the Commission’s approval, water and telecommunication utility filings related to regulated activities (e.g. property sales, tariffs, affiliated interest agreements and pricing). Provides recommendations to the Commission as part of the administration of the OUSF, based on forecasts for fund contributions and distributions, including fund participation, legal and accounting requirements, and other topics. Leads settlement discussions about water and telecommunication companies’ filings by informing, and taking guidance from, agency management regarding settlement positions and strategies. Leads pre-rate case audits of regulated water companies to aid in the analysis of the company’s filings before the Commission. This position is classified, exempt position, and is not represented by a union.

Requirements

• A skilled professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field, and four years of professional-level experience in Accounting, Finance, or Economic Analysis.
• OR Seven years of work experience in Accounting, Finance, Economic Analysis, or a closely related field; four of which must be at a professional level.
• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field, will substitute for one year of professional-level work experience.
• A Doctoral degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field, will substitute for two years of professional-level work experience.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience, or graduate-level education, performing complex accounting, finance, and/or economic analysis with a regulatory or public policy focus.
• Accounting or financial analysis experience, demonstrating an understanding of generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP), budgeting, and forecasting.
• Work experience, or education, that demonstrates the ability to independently research complex policy or technical topic areas and compose clear and concise written recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear and persuasive presentations to decision makers.
• Experience analyzing costs, pricing, and terms for providing a service for a company or organization.
• Work experience with a public utility commission, water utility, telecommunication utility, regulated utility, or utility or regulatory- focused consumer advocacy organization.
• Demonstrated ability to convene and facilitate meetings and discussions that include diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Examines utility financial records, budget data, accounting and tax data, and economic analyses performed by the utility to ensure rates are fair and reasonable.
• Reviews, analyzes, then presents for the Commission’s approval, water and telecommunication utility filings related to regulated activities (e.g. property sales, tariffs, affiliated interest agreements and pricing).
• Provides recommendations to the Commission as part of the administration of the OUSF, based on forecasts for fund contributions and distributions, including fund participation, legal and accounting requirements, and other topics.
• Leads settlement discussions about water and telecommunication companies’ filings by informing, and taking guidance from, agency management regarding settlement positions and strategies.
• Leads pre-rate case audits of regulated water companies to aid in the analysis of the company’s filings before the Commission.

Benefits

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and more.
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees