Class Code: 00529
10529
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
UTILITY ANALYST 2
DEFINITION
Performs analytical work in the evaluation of
public utility operations subject to regulation by the Utilities Division of the
Iowa Department of Commerce; performs related work as required.
The Work Examples and Competencies
listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary
basis for position classification decisions.
WORK EXAMPLES
Performs field audits of utility companies by
applying generally accepted accounting and auditing principles and procedures
in the examination of accounts, records and audit reports to assist in
determining conformance with prescribed utility accounting systems.
Analyzes testimony, exhibits, work papers and data
filed by regulated utility companies in rate cases to assist in determining
cost of capital, revenue requirements and other rate, service, economic and
financial issues.
Compiles data base by conducting performance reviews
of utility companies to assist in obtaining information regarding various
aspects of utility operations such as coal procurement, labor relations, fleet
management, facilities operation and maintenance, inventories, data processing
management and work force and equipment management to be utilized in
Departmental policy making, rate cases, staff training, long-range planning or
drafting legislation.
Testifies and is subjected to cross-examination on
supportive issues including methodologies, work papers and results of field
audits, and related issues in order to present and support the staff position
in formal proceedings.
Provides information for stipulation hearings with
representatives of public utility companies in order to assist in presenting
the Departmental staff position and in determining points of agreement.
Analyzes and audits both purchased gas adjustment and
energy adjustment clauses proposed by regulated utility companies to determine
compliance with regulatory principles,
Collects data for appraisal, evaluation and
depreciation studies of utility properties and engineering cost studies by
examining utility reports, records, operating data and physical facilities to
determine compliance with Departmental rules and regulations and adequacy of
service provided by the utility to the public.
Conducts research projects concerning public utility
regulation issues by following objectives outlined by higher level staff in
collecting and analyzing data, forming conclusions based on research and
analysis, and summarizing and documenting results.
Reviews current literature and attends seminars and
conferences in order to maintain current knowledge of economics, finance,
trends in public utility regulations, laws, policies and related fields
impacting on work performed.
Meets with officials of public utilities, private
industry and the public on matters related to public utility regulation.
Provides information for stipulation hearings with
representatives of public utility companies to assist in presenting the
Departmental staff position and determine points of agreement.
Analyzes existing rates of utilities by reviewing,
examining and evaluating cost studies and investigating operational practices
to assist in recommending acceptance or suspension of rates and rate
supplements.
Evaluates operational methods and procedures to
determine compliance with and/or recommend methods of compliance by utility
companies with Departmental rules, regulations, refund plans, interest
calculations and revenue calculations.
Reviews utility companies' applications for rate
increase to ensure compliance with Departmental filing requirements.
Develops and/or assists in the development of computer
programs for analyzing rate, service, economic, financial and other data
related to public utility regulation.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the general principles of utility
regulation.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
and practices, including cost accounting, depreciation accounting, tax
accounting, property accounting and utility regulation accounting.
Knowledge of data retrieval methods in order to access
computer information relative to data base established on regulated public
utilities.
Knowledge of methods used to determine the
reasonableness of the treatment of financial and other management options and
exceptions.
Knowledge of the Uniform System of Accounts as
prescribed for public utilities.
Knowledge of basic computer programming in order to
develop or review programs to analyze pertinent data.
Knowledge of economic theory and research methodology.
Ability to analyze filings, testimony, data and
exhibits submitted by utility companies for Departmental consideration.
Ability to make objective recommendations/decisions
concerning regulatory issues based on applicable laws, policies and precedents.
Ability to maintain composure while testifying
and being cross-examined while representing the Department as an expert witness
in formal rate proceedings.
Ability to formulate appropriate questions for use by
Department legal staff in cross-examination of utility company witnesses in
formal proceedings.
Ability to follow complicated oral and written
instructions with a minimal amount of detailed explanation.
Ability to apply principles of public utility
regulation, related laws, legal opinions, court decisions, and Departmental
rules, regulatory procedures and precedents.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or
unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with internal and external
clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and
cooperative manner. Committed to quality
service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and
commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and
attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Follows policy and cooperates with
supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals
of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust,
and group identity. Fosters commitment
and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited four year college
or university with a bachelors degree in accounting, business administration,
finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental
science, statistics or paralegal/legal assistant and 18 months of analytical
experience in one or a combination of the above disciplines;
OR
graduation
from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in
industrial, mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering will be considered as
qualifying;
OR
graduation
from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in one of the
above areas will be considered as qualifying;
OR
graduation
from an accredited paralegal school will be considered as qualifying;
OR
an
equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of
analytical experience in the above disciplines for one year of the required
education to a maximum substitution of four years;
OR
possession
of an Engineer certificate as issued by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners
or by another jurisdiction with requirements, as determined by the Board, equal
to
OR
possession
of a permit to practice as a Certified Public Accountant as issued by the Iowa
Accountancy Board may be substituted for one year of the required experience;
OR
employees
with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes
experience equal to twelve months of full time work as a Utility Analyst 1.
NOTE:
Incumbents in many of these positions will be required
to travel and stay out overnight.
Incumbents will be required to make arrangements on their own regarding
transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Some out of state travel may be required as assigned by the agency of
employment. Selected positions may
require incumbents to provide their own means of transportation in order to
conduct state business.
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION
For certain designated positions, the Appointing
Authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources
Enterprise approval, may selectively request those applicants possessing a
minimum of 20 semester hours of education or two years experience or a
combination thereof in one of the following areas:
183 environmental
health or science
780 accounting
781 business
administration
782 civil
engineering
783 computer
science
784 economics
785 electrical
engineering
786 finance
787 industrial
engineering
788 mechanical
engineering
789 operations
research
790 paralegal/legal
assistant
791 statistics
792 transportation
rate analysis
Applicants
desiring to be considered for these positions should be sure to list applicable
course work, and experience on the application.
Effective
Date: 6/2007 SH