The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is an adjudicatory agency overseen by a three-member Commission. It is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth. In addition, the DPU is charged with developing alternatives to traditional regulation, monitoring service quality, regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas, and the siting of energy facilities. The mission of the DPU is to ensure that consumers’ rights are protected, and that utility companies are providing the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost. The DPU oversees the public safety from transportation and gas pipeline-related accidents, and the energy facilities siting process. The DPU seeks to promote safety, security, reliability of service, affordability, equity, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. POSITION SUMMARY Incumbent analyzes financial reports, documents and records; audits financial records of utility companies; prepares various reports; provides technical assistance to agency staff and public and private agencies and companies; develops information for preparing regulations, rate cases, report forms, and procedures; and performs related work as required. Incumbent will work both individually and as a team member with other economists, auditors, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on a wide range of cases, including reviewing electric, gas, and water utility filings for changes in base rate revenue requirements and rate structures, other surcharges, and financing petitions. The position requires competency in cross-examining company and intervention witnesses. Reviewing, analyzing, and preparing oral and written recommendations for the Commission on utility requests for changes in base rate revenue requirements, base revenue allocations, rate design, other surcharges, as well as financing agreements. The Auditor also participates in all facets of assigned cases, including developing information requests, questioning expert witnesses during hearings, drafting memoranda and policy recommendations, as well as writing sections of DPU orders. Additionally, the Accountant will examine accounting data submitted annually in Annual Returns to the DPU. The purpose of this role is to examine, analyze, audit, and interpret accounting records of gas, electric, and water utilities for the purpose of providing recommendations and writing draft decisions for the DPU. The incumbent analyzes financial reports, documents, and records; audits financial records of utility companies; performs audit control functions; and provides technical assistance to agency staff. A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. * *DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Investigate rate changes, audit petitions, and audit reconciliation filings from the utility companies on matters where professional accounting expertise is needed by researching the Department’s precedent, generally accepted accounting principles, regulatory accounting principles, and where applicable, tax law: * Analyzes rate requests and finance petitions from utility companies, financial reports and records, documents, and costs studies to determine if they are consistent and compliant with regulations, Uniform System of Accounts, and policy goals. Makes recommendations. * Issues data requests, cross-examines witnesses, drafts memoranda and sections of DPU orders, and applies mathematical techniques of accounting research. * Draft sections of DPU’s decisions that consist of (i) company proposal, (ii) positions of the parties, and (iii) analysis and findings for the issues assigned. * Audits financial records by reconciling financial transactions and statements; verifying the accuracy of accounting entries and financial records; and reviewing the financial policies and procedures of companies audited to ensure compliance with standard accounting practices and applicable laws, rules and regulations, Uniform System of Accounts, and DPU precedent. * Provides technical assistance to agency staff by advising them on such matters as cost recording systems and fiscal and financial compliance with established procedures; by interpreting applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and by explaining agency reports, regulations and procedures. * Develops information for preparing regulations, report forms, and procedural manuals by analyzing fiscal objectives and requirements and conferring with agency personnel to obtain statistical data and supportive documentation to conduct effective and comprehensive examinations of financial records. * Install accounting procedures consistent with the requirements of law, the Uniform System of Accounts, and DPU precedent. * Check utility records used to support development of proposed utility rates. * Plan, organize and implement audits of utility company concerns by deciding the scope and format to be used in conducting audits and examinations and by reviewing audit procedures. * Prepare various statements and reports based on audit findings to reflect compliance with established procedures and standards and the financial status of agencies and companies audited. * Coordinate information sharing functions such as executive sessions with Commission. * Perform analyses on financial data to determine the fiscal condition of utility companies. * Recommend approval of necessary forms for utility companies. * Determine action to be taken in response to consumer complaints. * Review agency policy affecting utility companies, agencies and brokers for compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. * Reviews utility companies’ rate filings for accounting procedures, including tax treatment, to ensure conformance with established procedures. Recommend changes or improvements in utility company accounting practices. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge, skills, abilities) * Knowledge of the principles and practices of general accounting and utility accounting and terminology and standard abbreviations. * Knowledge of the principles and practices of auditing. * Knowledge of the methods of general report writing, including charts, graphs and tables. * Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of financial data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations. * Ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts and ledgers. * Ability to understand, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing assigned unit activities. * Ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulae to solve accounting problems. * Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner. * Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through questioning individuals. * Ability to maintain accurate records used to prepare general and financial reports. * Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical. * Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression. * Ability to exercise sound judgment and to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. * Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others. * Ability to work both independently and in a team setting. * Knowledge of the methods and techniques of financial analysis. * *QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledges, skills, abilities) * Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing the Department Public Utilities. * Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms. * Knowledge of accounting procedures including terminology. * Knowledge of the principles and practices of cost accounting. * Knowledge of the methods and techniques of financial analysis. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Note: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of two years of the required experience. _Comprehensive Benefits_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Accounting and Finance* *Organization: Department of Public Utilities *Title: *Auditor III Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station Requisition ID: 2400050F