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State of Montana Program Manager in Helena, Montana

The Public Service Commission seeks a Program Manager to aid our agency in exercising regulatory oversight of some of the largest essential industries within Montana to ensure fair prices, responsible business practices, and reliable services for Montana customers who rely upon them. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with an innovative state agency. The successful candidate will manage the revenue unit and oversee 4 Utility Rate Analysts who collaborate on interesting, meaningful, and critical work. Together we strive to meet our agency's goal of providing extraordinary service to the citizens of Montana. Duties: Develops and applies accounting, finance, and business management methods and processes for evaluating and regulating a wide range of public utility matters, including emerging technology. Analyzes and provides advice and recommendations regarding accounting, financial, technical, operational, and policy issues related to the regulation of public utilities. Analyzes and evaluates utility rate applications and other regulatory filings, and issues financial, accounting, and business perspectives to determine the reasonableness of revenue requests, capital structures, rates of return, depreciation rates, expense items, rate designs and other proposals. Examines utility rate increase requests and other financial filings for compliance with utility accounting standards established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Assists in the discovery process as appropriate in contested case proceedings. Prepares questions and information for the cross-examination of utility and intervener witnesses for rate hearings; audits utility financial records and information; prepares documents that summarize testimony and issues that may be examined during public hearings; analyzes record evidence; formulates conclusions and recommendations on ratemaking and policy issues; presents the conclusions and recommendations in writing and verbally at Commission business meetings and work sessions. Prepares reports to support analysis and assists in preparing Commission orders and notices. Assesses the regulatory impacts of draft legislation and as directed by the Commission, represents the Commission in outside proceedings. Special Information: A resume, cover letter, and writing sample are due at time of application. Travel 5% of the time and with advance notice. Benefits Provided:On the first day of employment, employees and eligible dependents receive health coverage with medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions including free health care provided by the Montana Health Care Center. Wellness programs, life insurance, and retirement plan choices are offered. New employees also receive 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and paid holidays including a floating holiday. Flexible schedules and telework are offered when feasible as work/life balance is healthy and encouraged. Agency: The Montana Department of Public Service Regulation (DPSR) is a small state agency with a big impact. We are headed by 5 elected commissioners (the Commission) representing every region of beautiful Montana. Commonly referred to as the Public Service Commission (PSC), our agency is staffed by a team of approximately 33 professionals in the Legal, Regulatory, and Administrative Services Divisions. The PSC is responsible for supervising monopolistic industries within Montana to ensure fair prices, responsible business practices, and sustainable, reliable service for the Montana customers who rely upon them. Regulated industries currently include privately held power, water, sewer, telecommunications, sanitation, and certain commercial transportation providers. The PSC also plays a vital role in railway and pipeline safety. The agency has a clear and well-defined strategic plan to enhance our operations, work environment, and value to the public. Our team includes seasoned leaders with expertise and institutional knowledge coupled with elected commissioners with innovative ideas for the agency. Employees enjoy a personable work environment. Staff members are encouraged to cross-train with other positions, providing an opportunity for diversified professional experiences and advancement. The PSC provides ample parking in a private parking lot immediately adjacent to our ground-floor office space, and the building is conveniently located between two of Helena’s least congested thoroughfares -- making the drive, walk or ride to work quick and easy. * Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, theories, and practices applicable to the regulation of electric, natural gas, water, and sewer utilities. * Knowledge of auditing techniques, statistical data analysis, and technical report writing. * Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite platforms including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint, fax, and advanced skills with creating and maintaining spreadsheets. * Flexibility, impartiality, organization, and attention to detail. * High-level of self-motivation, good judgment, and critical thinking skills. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public speaking skills. * Ability to publicly present information in front of cameras and audiences. * Ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and motivate performance, plan, direct, and delegate work. * Ability to resolve interpersonal conflicts and foster a positive working environment. * Strong organizational, analytical, investigative, and problem-solving abilities. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience) A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business and five years of experience in public utility regulation and ratemaking working for a state or federal utility regulatory agency, utility consumer advocate, or consultancy representing utility interests before state or federal utility regulatory agencies. Two years of experience supervising employees in a professional setting. Experience in planning and conducting audits of public utility financial records. Familiarity with the Uniform System of Accounts of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for electric and natural gas utilities. A CPA certificate is preferred. Title: Program Manager Location: Helena Requisition ID: 24141044

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