Decarbonization Compliance Rates Analyst

at  NW Natural

Non-Union Position
Rates/Regulatory 1; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)
Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT
Posting # 4865

ABOUT US:

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.
In addition to environmental stewardship, We’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.

Prepares purchased gas adjustment and technical rate adjustment filings. Develops and submits to regulatory commissions reports capturing financial data and accounting details regarding rates and financial performance of the regulated operations of the company. Analyzes data relevant to customer rates and costs for management review. Prepares rate and tariff filings for regulatory approval as needed. Acts as liaison between rates department and regulatory accounting functions within the Company. Responds to inquiries regarding rates, impacts of Company costs on customers, and a variety of technical issues related to regulation. Position requires self-motivation, hard work ethic and ability to learn regulatory accounting concepts. Day to Day:
Leads Purchased Gas Adjustment project internally and with outside stakeholders.
Prepares annual Results of Operations reports, and technical rate adjustment filings by updating financial spreadsheets and models.
Develops and maintains models and supporting analyses needed for regulatory accounting reports.
Ability to learn regulatory accounting and its impact on the Company by interpreting commission orders and working with the Accounting department to ensure regulatory compliance.
Provide expertise on accounting processes for new or existing regulatory programs and mechanisms and serving as a resource to internal and external audit staff regarding any changes in regulatory accounting (including any related Sarbanes Oxley requirements).
Provides review and guidance of certain accounting entries, and regulatory expertise relating to those entries.
Reviews some regulatory accounting journal entries, and analyzes the performance of regulatory mechanisms.
Prepares and assembles various data, calculations, and charts needed for management review and decision making.
Prepares financial portions of general rate case applications and prepares and reviews responses to discovery questions from Company regulators.
Conducts research on various utility regulation topics and industry developments.
Contributes to a team environment responsible for managing the Company’s relationship with and requirements of Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Builds and manages relationships with outside regulators, consumer advocacy groups and other intervening parties.
Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.
Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate peak periods.
Supports Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices. Come on your first day with:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3 years of related accounting or finance experience.
Advanced degree and/or CPA, preferred.
Discipline or coursework and experience in accounting, finance, economics, or similar field required.
Knowledge of technical and economic characteristics of energy business or proven ability to quickly develop technical and economic characteristics of energy business.
Familiarity with economic regulation of public utilities, energy industry terminology, and utility tariffs and rate structures preferred.
Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to interact with employees at all levels with tact and confidentiality.
Excellent written communication skills including the preparation of documents, reports, and presentations for varied audiences.
Proven ability to facilitate and coordinate projects; skill in organizing multiple tasks and managing time effectively to meet deadlines and balance priorities.
Must be comfortable with a team approach to large, complex projects.
Experience managing complex projects across disciplines.
Proven ability to gain trust quickly and to maintain confidentiality and credibility with co-workers at all levels within the organization.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
Self-motivated and able to work independently to accomplish personal responsibilities.
Advanced computer skills including high level of proficiency with Excel spreadsheet and Word applications.
Must have ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate peak periods.