Utilities Accountant

About the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)

The OUCC represents all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem-solving.

Role Overview

The Utilities Accountant conducts financial analyses and audits to assess the financial condition and performance of regulated utilities and provides expert judgment on utility requests for rate changes before the IURC. The Accountant also serves as a consumer advocate by providing skilled technical testimony in utility ratemaking and public policy matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop skilled, technical opinions through analyses of all relevant utility applications, petitions, testimony, schedules, and exhibits.
• Gather information through data requests, onsite audits, and other research methods as necessary.
• Summarize large amounts of data and testimony.
• Draw conclusions from research to build case foundations and contribute to case development.
• Prepare quality, persuasive testimony and exhibits to support OUCC case positions.
• Serve as case team leader, and a significant contributor responsible for addressing multiple issues.
• Consistently provide articulate written testimony and oral testimony under cross-examination at public hearings.
• Aid other OUCC staff with projects while maintaining regular personal workload.
• Anticipate problems and develop alternatives in advance.
• Take appropriate decisive action to achieve agency and division goals and objectives.
• Work with multi-disciplinary project teams that include attorneys, economists, accountants, engineers, and other specialists.
• Proactively maintain required level of professional knowledge through timely review of modifications to principles, standards, federal and state laws, and legal decisions.
• Able to perform duties in a confidential and professional manner.
• Review current utility regulatory practices and theories.
• Engage in continuous personal and professional development.

Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum of two years agency or industry experience.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting or CPA certification is preferred.

Ability

• Strong written and verbal skills.
• The ability to work independently and in teams to meet deadlines.
• The ability to produce work product in a well-organized manner.
• Extensive computer skills in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel.
• Able to work on and/or manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Able to understand detailed cost of service and rate design studies.
• Able to summarize and communicate complex technical issues.
• Able to work with tight deadlines under demanding conditions.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
• 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free Parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance.