RRC - Auditor IV - Utility Audit Section, (Houston)

RRC - Auditor IV - Utility Audit Section, (Houston)

The Utility Audit Section of the Gas Services Department, in the Oversight and Safety Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas, audits all intrastate gas utilities for statutory and regulatory compliance. The Utility Audit seeks one auditor to perform senior-level professional accounting and auditing work. The Utilities audited are generally in the Houston, Ft. Worth, and Austin areas, although some are in other areas of Texas or Oklahoma. Work involves on-site visual examination and verification of operating and accounting records for Natural Gas Utilities to ensure legal compliance with statutes and regulations. Field audit workpapers are prepared on laptop computers with portable printers/scanners. Audit activities are performed under the general supervision of the Utility Audit Manager.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Performs advanced senior-level audit work that is highly complex in nature or large in scale.
• Performs advanced audit work involving review of accounting records for reliability, accuracy, and compliance with legal regulations.
• Attend audits with auditors and evaluate how audits are being conducted. Give constructive feedback to help auditors improve.
• Coordinates audit work to ensure timely completion of assigned audits.
• Completes all working papers to ensure adequate documentation and completeness of work performed, conclusions, and findings in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Composes clear and concise audit reports.
• Reviews audits for accuracy, completeness, and grammar. Submission of final reports for review and approval.
• Conducts post-audit assessments for compliance with corrective action plans submitted by gas utility.
• May develop and implement annual audit plans for a division.
• May oversee/train/supervise others who perform audits.
• Research/write an audit memo to document complex accounting/audit issues.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited senior college or university (Bachelor's Degree).
• 5 years of experience in the accounting or auditing-related field.
• Proficiency in the use of computer systems utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Travel to and from audits could require availability outside of these normal work hours.
• Must meet the Commission's Traffic Safety Standards, and have a good driving record. Must be willing and able to use a reliable personal vehicle to travel to and from work assignments. (Qualified mileage reimbursed in accordance with the State of Texas rate.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Major courses in accounting, finance, or audit preferred.
• 5 years of auditing experience.
• Knowledge of utility regulatory oversight.
• Post-graduate education may be substituted for experience.
• CPA, CIA, or CFE certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
• Auditing and investigative methods, practices, and procedures.
• Skills in the use of a computer, applicable software, and sampling techniques.
• Shows initiative and action beyond what is required to improve audit practices; is self-starting and completes assignments independently without constant supervision.
• Analyze issues, facts, and available information to develop logical conclusions; researching inconsistencies of facts or data; drawing correct inferences from information and records.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with others (internally and externally).
• The responsibilities involve administrative practices and procedures, including writing, editing, and report-writing techniques.
• Prioritize and organize multiple work assignments.
• Prepare and maintain confidential and sensitive records, files, and reports.
• Ability to work effectively on a team.
• Ability to respond to high-pressure situations and meet changing demands and timelines.

Work Hours:

Standard office hours for Commission employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternative schedules for employees, provided they do not adversely affect operations or service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained. The Commission may also offer telework in accordance with the agency's approved Telework Plan. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to reach high and low; operate a computer keyboard and appropriate office equipment.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to ten pounds. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch in cramped quarters.
• Must walk/stand for considerable amounts of time. Must also have visual acuity, depth perception, and the ability to discern colors.