Energy & Accounting Policy Advisor

Description

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Help protect the consumers of Washington state!

Energy and Accounting Policy Advisor

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $99,000 – $104,000 annually. However, there is an ability for growth and development in this salary for the individual once employed.

This recruitment is open until March 16, 2025, at 11:59pm. 

UTC reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time after seven (7) calendar days.

The Opportunity:

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking to fill the role of an Energy & Accounting Policy Advisor within the Policy Division to provide independent and advanced policy, technical, economic, and accounting analysis in contested cases and other matters before the commission and concerning pending legislation and emerging policy issues. 

Hybrid:

Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state and must be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building when needed. 

Travel: 

While primarily local for meetings, travel throughout the Pacific Northwest region may be required during and outside business hours to meet agency needs. This includes occasional overnight stays. 

Who We Are:

Our mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, reliable, and fairly priced. 

We protect consumers by regulating the rates, services, and practices of private or investor-owned utilities and transportation companies to ensure they are safe, equitable, reliable, and affordable.

The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington State.

We recognize that our employees are the key to the agency’s success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, and offers continuing learning opportunities, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website. 

What We Offer Our Employees:

• UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve. 
• We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.
• Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. 
• We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan. 
• Throughout the calendar year, employees receive a minimum of 14 days of vacation leave per year and 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday in addition to accruing sick leave.

Our Values:

• Respect – We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
• Professionalism – We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
• Integrity – We do the right things for the right reasons – trusting others to do the same.

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Competencies:

1. EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment.
2. Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth.
3. Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships.
4. Inclusive Excellence & Allyship.

UTC Leadership Principles

Consistently reflect the commission’s leadership principles in how you behave, interact with others, and in the decisions, you make in your work. Among those, actively support the direction of the commission. Work cooperatively on issues and to find solutions that meet the needs of the whole commission, not just individual section needs. Communicate and carry out the decisions of the management team in a complete and timely manner. 

Duties

The position:

Reporting to the Policy Director, Policy Advisors provide analysis and decision-making advice to the Commissioners, Executive Director/Secretary, Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), and other stakeholders on issues related to regulated utilities, including rate cases, clean energy, energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, energy reliability and security, and other emerging and increasingly technical and challenging issues.

What you’ll do:

Using quantitative and economic analysis, perform forward-looking research and analysis of state, regional, and national energy policies pertaining to matters that affect regulated utilities and their consumers. Identify energy industry trends, evaluate new technologies, policy directions, and emerging challenges and opportunities. The analysis will affect commission decision-making and potentially impact regulated companies, ratepayers and the public through utility rates and services, making the quality and accuracy of the analysis critical to performance.

In reviewing and evaluating regulatory accounting issues in matters before the commission, this position addresses the proposed results of operation, determines the company’s rate base, adjusts these for restating actual and pro forma adjustments, and in accordance with accepted regulatory theory and commission precedent. The position compiles and distills data and prepares spreadsheets, models, and other materials comparing the similarities and differences between the parties’ positions to assist the presiding administrative law judge, other policy advisors, and commissioners in understanding the accounting issues and ultimately the rates in contested cases.

During each legislative session, works with the policy director, legislative director, and legislative coordinator to actively track and analyze bills for which assigned, coordinates the reported fiscal impact with regulatory services staff, prepares and presents testimony at legislative hearings, and communicates with interested stakeholders about pending bills.

Writes formal testimony and prepares PowerPoint presentations for commissioners or senior managers to present at agency events, legislative hearings, or conferences. Prepares letters, comments, or other written responses on emerging issues for commissioners, the executive director, legislative director, and policy director to present to or respond to questions from state, regional, or national organizations or legislators. 

Additional duties include, but aren’t limited to the following: 

• Develops effective strategic proposals and responses to allow the agency to address trends, new policy directions, and emerging issues in energy-related policies with progressive regulatory tools. 
• Analyzes utility Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), Clean Energy Implementation Plans (CEIPs), Integrated System Planning (ISP) and other required components of the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), as assigned.
• Prepares analysis and/or reviews written analysis of IRPs and/or ISP prepared by other staff members.
• Develops and implements strategies to coordinate policy development and implementation with other states, other state agencies, and the Governor’s office.
• Communicates effectively and maintains excellent working relationships with the Commissioners, Executive Director/Secretary, Policy Director, ALJs, other policy staff, commission staff, regulated companies, industry representatives, and other interested parties to ensure the commission is engaged on issues related to the agency mission.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 

OR

• Four (4) years of work experience working in an accounting or economic related position. 

OR

• An advanced degree in accounting, finance, or economics, or a closely related field will substitute the required work experience.
• Efficient in Microsoft Office Suite 

Equivalent education or experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis. “Equivalent education or experience” refers to a combination of college-level coursework or training and relevant technical experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the basic duties of this position.

Accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent.

AND

Demonstration of

• Critical Thinking Skills – Formulates judgments on complex issues through the identification, organization, and analysis of factual evidence; Reaches conclusions through logical reasoning; Distinguishes information that is not pertinent to a decision or solution.
• Writing and Communication Skills – Presents information clearly, accurately, and coherently, using organized thought and reasoning; Communicates in an audience-specific manner, with content and form useful to the intended audience and for the intended purpose; Effectively translates complex technical concepts into messages non-technical audiences can readily grasp; Listens carefully, reflects upon what is being said, and strives to understand competing viewpoints.
• Project Management – Plans, designs, organizes, and executes the work of an individual or team project, ensuring a high-quality work product within specific time constraints. Identifies and communicates goals, key deliverables, and criteria for success. Outlines responsibilities and resource requirements, organizes tasks and establishes meaningful timelines. Regularly monitors progress and takes corrective action where necessary. Provides leadership, builds and manages interpersonal relationships to ensure project success; demonstrates personal accountability and commitment to the success of a project.
• Leadership – Leads by example, exhibiting balance and fair-handedness in considering various perspectives and engaging with others in a considerate manner; Demonstrates emotional intelligence and intellectual humility; Demonstrates critical thinking and tactical execution; Pursues collaboration; actively engages in strategic planning exercises and critical examinations of business processes; Listens carefully and helps others. Fosters an environment that values and encourages equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Demonstration of EDI Competencies (expected of all employees) 

• EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment. 
• Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth. 
• Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships. 
• Inclusive Excellence & Allyship. 

Demonstration of UTC Values (expected of all employees)

• Respect.
• Professionalism.
• Integrity.
• Accountability.

Demonstration of UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees)

Accountability – With courage, we hold ourselves and each other accountable for exhibiting respect, professionalism, and integrity. 

DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment – Ability to be exposed to, know, and understand the language and concepts of DEI and be committed to being part of creating, maintaining, and improving a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace. 

Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth – Engages in self-reflection, lifelong learning, and growth. 

Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships – Conducts themselves in a manner that builds trust, enhances work relationships, and meaningfully partner and engage with those they serve and serve with. 

Inclusive Excellence & Allyship – Ability to demonstrate that all people are valued and engaged as members of the group, team, organization, or community through equitable, inclusive, and respectful behavior. 

Measuring Success and Improvement – Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and continually improve strategies that promote equity and inclusion in their organization and with the communities they serve. 

Customer Focus – Responsive to both internal and external customers. Works with customers to identify needs; assumes responsibility for their own role in meeting those needs. Ensures commitments to customers are met. Receptive to customer feedback. 

Results Focus – Accepts personal accountability for individual results or share of team results. Manages workload and interpersonal relationships to achieve results: prioritizes tasks appropriately, overcomes obstacles, works with others as necessary, and meets deadlines and quality standards. 

Communication Skills – Demonstrates communication skills (reading comprehension, writing, listening, speaking) appropriate to the position. Shows respect and courtesy in interpersonal communications. 

Adaptability/Flexibility – Open to new ideas. Responds constructively to change and stressful situations. In consultation with supervisor, adjusts plans to meet changing needs. 

Self-Development – Demonstrate proactive learning. Keep knowledge and skills up to date. Solicit and accept constructive feedback. Seek developmental assignments to improve skills. Turn challenges into learning opportunities. 

Continuous Process Improvement – Utilizes Lean tools and principles to continuously identify improvements, solve problems, and improve work processes. Participates with process improvement projects/teams. Actively engages in section/division huddles and incorporates visual management into daily work. 

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working in utility regulation, performing regulatory accounting and public utility regulation, preferably with a state or federal utility commission or a utility company.
• Experience managing teams and developing project plans.
• Experience developing and applying regulatory and ratemaking policies and standards.
• Experience participating in the legislative process.
• Knowledge of commission policies, rules, procedures, goals, objectives, and strategies and the body of commission precedent.
• Knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act and quasi-judicial legal process.

Supplemental Information

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY: 

• This position is included in the Washington Management Service (WMS). 
• This position is overtime exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Ensure the accuracy, spelling, and grammar of your application and any requested attachments before submitting.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in joining our Team, please read the instructions below carefully; click “Apply” at the top of the page to begin the process.

Your application will only be considered complete if the following attachments are submitted in addition. Please note, see resume will not substitute for completing the “work experience” section of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

1. Letter of Interest describing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate. 
2. Resume detailing your applicable experience and education.
3. References: At least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses; one (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application, including answers provided to the Supplemental Questionnaire, along with the required attachments – letter of interest, resume, and references submitted as part of the application process. 

All information may be verified, and documentation may be required for verification. Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact [email protected]. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

For more information about the UTC, please visit:

www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc

The State of Washington: 

http://access.wa.gov

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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