Lead Utility Auditor-Evaluator

Job Description and Duties

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”.

For this classification, applicants with disabilities may gain eligibility through the Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP), an alternative to the standard testing process. Click here to open the examination bulletin. Applicants may choose to apply through either the Standard or LEAP process.

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit. 

Under the direction of the Program and Project Supervisor, the SMA (Specialist) is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading the work of junior level auditors performing various complex financial, management, and compliance audits, such as water and sewer utility audits, balancing account audits, communications audits, CPUC user fees audits, energy program audits, and energy procurement audits. The incumbent acts as a lead in audit engagements and in the field.

The SMA performs in-depth research on federal and state laws, as well as accounting pronouncements that impact public utilities’ costs of services. Develops comprehensive corresponding policies for the CPUC to guide public utilities on their accounting and reporting practices for the purposes of setting reasonable utility rates for California consumers. Analyzes and synthesizes evidence obtained during complex financial and compliance audits and/or oversees or manages complex third-party contracts and/or inter-agency agreements for financial and compliance audits. These audits entail developing comprehensive audit methodologies and audit plans, analyzing and examination of accounts, records, and internal controls, and evaluation of the integrity of utility reports, programs, and other matters that require follow-up and analysis.

The SMA also prepares comprehensive written audit reports describing the results of audits which include identifying problem areas, drawing sound conclusions, and making recommendations for improvements in systems, policies, and procedures. The SMA provides training to other audit staff within the branch.

The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, the ability to work well within a team environment and independently, and to coordinate and/or participate in multiple projects.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This advertisement is listed specifically for Sacramento (SF, SAC) location. This position is posted at multiple headquarters locations, but the posting is for the same position, and applicants should choose the headquarters location to apply for that is closer to their residence.

• San Francisco location, please apply to JC# 533190

Apply to only those location(s) in which you are willing to work.

This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than three pages. Please number your responses in the same order as the questions are listed (1–4). Provide separate responses for each of the four questions.

Please write your SOQ to address the following four questions:

1. Describe how your education, training, and experience qualifies you for the position.
2. Describe your experience leading a team of auditors performing various types of audits in accordance with professional auditing standards.
   
3. Describe your experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive results.
   
4. Describe your experience preparing complex and/or sensitive audit reports.
   

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position,  you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment. 

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline.
Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at 

Employment information on the STD 678 state application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered. 

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Benefits

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.