This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Utility Regulatory Auditor IV
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is senior-level professional work performing and coordinating regulatory auditing or financial analysis work for the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
Provides technical supervision and coordinates the work of other auditors; assigns specific duties to personnel, such as portions of research; preparing technical, informative, or operational reports and papers; financial audits; or working on special projects of all sizes and types of utilities.
Assists in the coordination of policy decisions for complex issues regarding the rate of return in utility rate cases before the PSC; assists legal staff with the preparation of briefs and cross-examination of witnesses.
Conducts research and analysis of the financial aspects of public utility operations.
Plans, develops, and implements difficult and complex assignments, and completes special projects involving diversified and extensive contacts.
Reviews reports, papers, and other records prepared by personnel for clarity, completeness, accuracy, and conformance with agency policies.
Provides supervision and/or training to lower-level auditors in the principles of public utility auditing.
Assists in the development of audit plans.
Analyzes inquiries or proposals from staff, consumers, utilities, or others which influence the solvency or profitability of utilities; conceptualizes and defines problems from an accounting perspective; consults with internal management to determine type, scope, and purpose of audits.
Conducts on-site utility audits, interviews workers, and examines records to obtain data following an audit plan.
Supervises the preparation of data requests for general discovery and detailed informational purposes.
Reviews and prepares materials which may be used as testimony in hearings involving such topics as rates, services, rate of return, production, construction, or research and development, and recommends changes affecting the rate structure.
Confers with company officials to discuss financial problems and regulatory matters.
Reviews and evaluates prudency of utility applications for mergers, acquisitions, establishment of new enterprises, or other actions.
Reviews utility budgetary controls for advertising, marketing, production, maintenance, and construction projects.
Evaluates changes in product design, materials, production, or services to determine effects on costs.
Analyzes financial information detailing previous rate structures, tariffs, distribution of costs, classification of accounts, assets, liabilities, and capital; reviews balance sheets, profit and loss statements, trends and costs, estimated and realized revenues, administrative commitments, obligations incurred, depreciation rates of capital assets, and other information; prepares summary of current company financial position and projection of future revenues and expenses.
Conducts specialized studies pertaining to cost of service, revenue requirements, and cost allocation issues; designs new rates in accordance with findings of the Commission.
Analyzes data obtained for evidence of deficiencies in controls, duplication of effort, excess expenditures, fraud, or lack of compliance with laws, regulations, or management policies or procedures.
Participates in appeal hearings and settlements on contested cases.
Organizes and documents findings of studies; formulates recommendations for implementation of new systems, policies, procedures, or organizational changes; plans and prepares reports to management defining problems and possible solutions.
Prepares and presents exhibits and testimony as an expert witness and responds to cross-examination in hearings before the PSC on regulatory or rate adjustments; analyzes testimony and exhibits presented by utility company officials and their consultants.
Provides technical assistance to utility organizations and advises management regarding matters, such as effective use of resources and assumptions underlying budget forecasts.
Exercises significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction; work is reviewed for conformance with prescribed policies and procedures and attainment of objectives.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)
One or more years of experience as a Utility Regulatory Auditor III with the Missouri Public Service Commission; and, possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field; and,
24 or more earned credit hours of additional coursework in Accounting or Finance; and,
Four or more years of professional auditing experience, including three or more years in a regulatory environment that provides a broad view of regulation, utility operations, cost evaluation, and management analysis.
(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for the one year of required general experience.)
(Professional or technical experience in accounting, finance, economics, or the utility industry which provides knowledge of utility management and analysis may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required college education.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Comprehensive knowledge of accounting and auditing practices and procedures.
Comprehensive knowledge of public utility operations and regulations.
Comprehensive knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and database software packages associated with personal computers and accounting practices.
Comprehensive knowledge of trends and practices in utility financing, operations, and regulations.
Intermediate knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective supervision and training.
Ability to provide guidance and training to lower-level auditors regarding public utility auditing procedures, and PSC rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to generate data requests and analyze information according to accounting standards.
Ability to communicate effectively and prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to generate and provide testimony associated with Commission hearings.
Ability to independently analyze and interpret economic and financial data, such as financial statements, stockholder reports, and outside reference materials pertaining to the public utility industry.
Ability to utilize interviewing techniques and solicit pertinent information at various organizational levels.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, utility industry personnel, and others involved in the audit process.
Ability to travel as required for agency business.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits