Utility Financial Analyst 3 (PCN 086026)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

40d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska is recruiting for a Utility Financial Analyst 3 position located in Anchorage! What you will be doing: The Utility Financial Analyst 3 (UFA 3) conducts detailed technical analysis of utility and pipeline carrier rate filings of the highest complexity, including financial audits of revenue requirement, cost of service, and rate design studies, as well as related testimony and proposed tariff revisions. This position verifies the mathematical accuracy and reasonableness of proposed rates by applying appropriate auditing techniques and generally accepted ratemaking principles, determining the elements of revenue requirements, including verification and normalization of operating expenses, rate base, allowance for taxes, and establishing the appropriate return on rate base or application of the times interest earned ratio (TIER). The UFA 3 prepares highly detailed, well-supported recommendations to the Commission for presentation both in writing and orally, in public and adjudicatory settings. This position uses database applications to perform research, and spreadsheet/word processing applications to develop and review calculations and prepare written reports. The UFA 3 works with utility representatives and other Commission staff to ensure proposed rates are accurate and aligned with applicable authority, the Commissioners are well-informed, and Commission rulings are executed within statutory timelines. Our organization, mission, and culture: The Commission is charged with ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility and pipeline services are provided to Alaskans at just and reasonable rates. The availability of utility services, and the rates, rules, terms and conditions of those services are governed by statute and regulation and enforced by the Commission. Five full-time commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Alaska State Legislature, overseeing a team of analysts, administrative law judges, consumer protection officers and support staff. The Commission regulates a broad range of utility services including electric, natural gas, natural gas storage, steam heat, pipeline, refuse, sewer, telecommunications, and water services, overseeing regulated entities through certification, regulation of rates and services, tariff review, dispute resolution, and consumer protection services. The Commission also calculates amounts for the power cost equalization (PCE) program and serves as an information resource for the executive and legislative branches of government. Benefits of joining our team: The Commission offers a competitive employment package including excellent benefits and flexible leave, a hybrid working environment, opportunities for professional growth and development, and the potential for advancement. As a member of the Advisory Section, the UFA 3 is part of a cohesive team of analysts specializing in finance, engineering, tariffs, and common carrier matters, working together to achieve a common goal for the benefit of Alaskans. Collaboration is key to the success of the agency, including our reliable and consistent support staff. The new UFA 3 will receive hands-on internal training, coaching and support throughout the process, as well as opportunities for outside specialized training at both the state and national levels. The working conditions you can expect: The Commission is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Anchorage. The daily work environment is busy and productive with varying timelines to be managed. The UFA 3 works directly with utility representatives and other staff to ensure timely processing of rate filings. Staff presents recommendations and fields questions from Commissioners during confidential adjudications, public tariff action meetings or other public meetings. Most of the work is performed using spreadsheet, word processing, email and case management software. We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies: Industry: Demonstrated experience with utility/pipeline carrier rate filings, including revenue requirement, cost of service, and rate design studies, as well as related testimony and proposed tariff revisions; working knowledge of utility/pipeline carrier regulation and issues and the operating practices of the utility industry; ability to understand, interpret, and apply Alaska regulatory statutes and regulations. Mathematical: Demonstrated experience with utility/pipeline carrier rate development using generally accepted ratemaking principles, determining the elements of revenue requirements, including verification and normalization of operating expenses, rate base, allowance for taxes, and establishing the appropriate return on rate base or application of the times interest earned ratio (TIER). Financial Analysis: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis and auditing, forecasting, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes data modeling, earned value management, and evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data. Writing: Demonstrated ability to use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling to produce written information, which may include technical material, for different audiences; ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively develop conclusions and provide recommendations. Presentation: Demonstrated experience preparing complex technical reports and delivering oral presentations, making recommendations and fielding questions. Due to the recent recruitment hiring freeze, only positions necessary to protect the health and safety of Alaskans and that meet essential State responsibilities will be filled.

Requirements

Accounting: Knowledge of traditional accounting practices including accrual, obligations, and costs methods.
Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
Reasoning: Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Any combination of preparatory post-secondary education and/or progressively responsible professional level experience in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field/industry.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with utility/pipeline carrier rate filings, including revenue requirement, cost of service, and rate design studies, as well as related testimony and proposed tariff revisions; working knowledge of utility/pipeline carrier regulation and issues and the operating practices of the utility industry; ability to understand, interpret, and apply Alaska regulatory statutes and regulations.
Demonstrated experience with utility/pipeline carrier rate development using generally accepted ratemaking principles, determining the elements of revenue requirements, including verification and normalization of operating expenses, rate base, allowance for taxes, and establishing the appropriate return on rate base or application of the times interest earned ratio (TIER).
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis and auditing, forecasting, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes data modeling, earned value management, and evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data.
Demonstrated ability to use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling to produce written information, which may include technical material, for different audiences; ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively develop conclusions and provide recommendations.
Demonstrated experience preparing complex technical reports and delivering oral presentations, making recommendations and fielding questions.

Responsibilities

conducts detailed technical analysis of utility and pipeline carrier rate filings of the highest complexity, including financial audits of revenue requirement, cost of service, and rate design studies, as well as related testimony and proposed tariff revisions
verifies the mathematical accuracy and reasonableness of proposed rates by applying appropriate auditing techniques and generally accepted ratemaking principles, determining the elements of revenue requirements, including verification and normalization of operating expenses, rate base, allowance for taxes, and establishing the appropriate return on rate base or application of the times interest earned ratio (TIER)
prepares highly detailed, well-supported recommendations to the Commission for presentation both in writing and orally, in public and adjudicatory settings
uses database applications to perform research, and spreadsheet/word processing applications to develop and review calculations and prepare written reports
works with utility representatives and other Commission staff to ensure proposed rates are accurate and aligned with applicable authority, the Commissioners are well-informed, and Commission rulings are executed within statutory timelines

Benefits

The Commission offers a competitive employment package including excellent benefits and flexible leave, a hybrid working environment, opportunities for professional growth and development, and the potential for advancement.
Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Group-based insurance premiums for
Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
Long-term and short-term disability
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
Supplemental Survivor Benefits
Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
Twelve (12) paid holidays a year