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.
GRADE
Public Utility Auditor - 17
Public Utility Auditor Senior - 18
LOCATION OF POSITION
Public Service Commission
6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The main purpose of this position is the development of appropriate revenue requirements for the public utilities under our jurisdiction through the performance of audits and analyses of the utilities' accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the accounting, ratemaking, and regulatory policies adopted by the PSC for those public utilities.
POSITION DUTIES
Both levels:
Evaluate and prepare recommendations regarding utility revenue requirement calculations, cost allocations, rate tariffs, fuel/energy costs, surcharge rates, and codes of utility conduct in Commission docketed hearings and other administrative proceedings.
Monitor public utilities through the analysis and auditing of financial statements and other filings.
Prepare written work products and perform oral presentations in support of findings and recommendations made to the Commission concerning accounting and rate making issues in docketed proceedings. These work products are intended to fully explain the issues, the positions advocated and to convince the Commission to accept the recommendations advocated.
Prepare well-documented and organized work papers to support conclusions/recommendations from audits and other tasks.
Analyze customer bills for compliance with tariffs and applicable regulations.
Respond to inquiries from Division Director, Assistant Director, and technical staff and stakeholders regarding regulatory accounting matters in a timely and accurate basis.
Monitor and research emerging regulatory issues from federal, state and industry level concerning accounting/financial issues and industry restructuring occurring in the electric and gas utilities to ascertain the impact on the utility companies and consumers.
Organize workloads in a manner that assignments are completed on time with minimal supervision.
Participate in settlement discussions, fact-finding sessions, roundtable forums, and other alternative dispute resolution forums as administered by the Commission.
Senior:
Direct project team members through the preparation of work plans based on sound audit techniques, 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
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.
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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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
(Both levels)
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 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
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.