Utilities Accountant

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC):

The OUCC represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem-solving. Click here to learn more about the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.

Role Overview:

The Utilities Accountant conducts financial analyses and audits to assess the financial condition and performance of regulated utilities and to provide expert judgment on utility requests for rate changes before the IURC. You will apply accounting principles to review financial records and utility operations, including books, records, financial statements, and filings such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Form 1. The Accountant also serves as a consumer advocate by providing skilled technical testimony in utility ratemaking and public policy matters.

This position operates with limited to moderate supervision and requires strong self‑motivation, discipline, and initiative.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $70,844.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Assist 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.
• Ability to perform duties in a confidential and professional manner.
• Review current utility regulatory practices and theories.
• Engage in continuous personal and professional development.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

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.

Additional qualifications:

• Ability to make objective and well-reasoned recommendations.
• Possess: strong written and verbal skills; the ability to work independently and in teams to meet deadlines; and the ability to produce work product in a well-organized manner.
• Extensive computer skills in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel.
• Ability to work on and/or manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Able to understand detailed cost of service and rate design studies.
• Ability 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 of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.