Public Utility Auditor Senior/Public Utility Auditor

Introduction

The Public Service Commission (PSC or Commission) regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland. The Commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of a generating station and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons. The PSC's jurisdiction extends to taxicabs operating in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Cumberland, and Hagerstown.

The categories of regulated public service companies are listed below: electric utilities; gas utilities; combination gas and electric utilities; telecommunications companies; water, and water and sewerage companies; passenger motor vehicle carriers (sedans, limousines, and buses); railroad companies; taxicab companies; and other public service companies.

The Commission is empowered to hear and decide matters relating to: (1) rate adjustments; (2) applications to exercise or abandon franchises; (3) applications to modify the type or scope of service; (4) approval of issuance of securities; (5) promulgation of new rules and regulations; and (6) quality of utility and common carrier service.

GRADE

Public Utility Auditor Senior - 18

Public Utility Auditor - 17

LOCATION OF POSITION

Public Service Commission

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

POSITION DUTIES

Analyzes and audits public utility financial statements, revenue requirement calculations, cost allocation manuals, rate tariffs, demand side management costs, fuel costs, customer billing and stranded cost filings in various forums, including Commission-docketed proceedings and the Commission’s Administrative Meetings. Prepares well- documented workpapers supporting the analyses and audits performed.

Senior prepares written work products, in support of findings and recommendations made to the Commission concerning accounting and ratemaking issues in docketed proceedings, items on the Administrative Meeting agenda, and other forums. These work products are intended to fully explain the issues, the positions advocated and to convince the Commission to accept the recommendations advocated.

Senior Responds to inquiries from Division Director and technical staff regarding regulatory accounting matters in a timely and accurate basis. Performs other duties as assigned.

Monitors and researches emerging regulatory issues and policy decisions on a federal, state and industry level, most notably industry restructuring occurring in the electric and gas utilities within Maryland and throughout the nation.

Participates in settlement negotiations, fact-finding meetings and alternative dispute resolution forums as established by the Commission.

Senior Directs project team members through the preparation of work plans based on sound audit techniques and considering the needs of a specific audit or task. Reviews and approves audit team members’ work papers, provides training to junior members, and provides feedback to management on the quality of work performed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PUBLIC UTILITY AUDITOR SENIOR

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other business related field from an accredited college or university with 30 credit hours in accounting and auditing.

Experience: Three years of professional experience in accounting or auditing with a public utility company or utility regulatory agency.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute experience in general accounting and auditing for the required experience, at the rate of two years of general accounting and auditing experience for one year of professional experience in accounting or auditing with a public utility company or utility regulatory agency.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in tax examining classification or tax examining specialty codes in the accounting and budget group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

PUBLIC UTILITY AUDITOR

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other business related field from an accredited college or university with 30 credit hours in accounting and auditing.

Experience: Two years of professional experience in accounting or auditing with a public utility company or utility regulatory agency.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute experience in general accounting and auditing, at the rate of two years of general accounting and auditing experience for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in tax examining classification or tax examining specialty codes in the accounting and budget group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Both Levels:

The ideal candidate will have utility accounting and ratemaking experience.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to analyze financial statements and financial data, and to provide effective written and verbal presentations to the Commission and other parties.

A CPA certification is also a plus but not required.

Ability to address a technical subject or issue and effectively communicate information about it, preferably including the applicant's analysis and conclusions.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties may be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at or, MD TTY Relay Service .

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.