Operations & Planning Compliance Auditor

The electric grid is a vital component of our daily lives, providing the foundation for our economy, societal, and technological advancements. SERC Reliability Corporation's mission is to ensure the reliability and security of the electric grid, both today and in the future.

To achieve this mission, we maintain a diverse team of experts across various disciplines to address the complex challenges facing the grid. Our team partners with industry professionals and government agencies to stay informed and address these challenges effectively.

The Operations and Planning Compliance Auditor plays a critical role in ensuring the compliance of entities within the SERC region with the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP). This program is established by SERC in coordination with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The incumbent will coordinate, schedule, and lead audit teams in the execution of Compliance Audits, Organizational Certifications, and Spot-Checks. They will also support the implementation of the CMEP and ensure the effective monitoring and enforcement of compliance within the SERC region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct Compliance Audits, Spot Checks, and other CMEP activities in accordance with SERC's Regional Delegation Agreement.
• Coordinate information gathering, dissemination, data retention, and confidentiality related to performance of Compliance Audits as assigned by the Manager, Operations and Planning Monitoring (MGR).
• Act as Audit Team Leader (ATL) during compliance monitoring engagements of entities within the SERC Region, if assigned.
• Review, assess, and report on the effectiveness of the registered entity's internal control system.
• Prepare draft audit reports based on the on-site visit, questionnaires, documentation, self-assessments, and audit team input.
• Evaluate and assess compliance of periodic data submittals and self-certifications.
• Provide training, presentations, and communications to SERC Staff and stakeholders.
• Comply with SERC policies regarding anti-trust, conflict of interest, and confidentiality.
• Ensure compliance with Government Auditing Standards for objectivity, independence, impairment, rules of evidence, and professional judgment.
• Participate on NERC committees and working groups.
• Perform other assignments as directed by the MGR.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Five to ten years of experience in the electric utility industry with a background in regulatory, technical, and/or compliance activities in a related field.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards. Prior audit experience is a plus.
• Four-year and/or higher educational degree in a technical field with a preference for Engineering. Equivalent experience is acceptable.
• Professional Engineer and/or NERC Certified System Operator is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work with and analyze data-intensive and detailed information, and to draw meaningful conclusions from that information.
• Knowledge of bulk electric system operations, maintenance, and planning concepts.
• Working knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards and SERC regional standards.
• Ability to interface between audit teams and upper management of SERC registered entities.
• Computer skills, proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Effective communication skills (face-to-face, telephone, written, and email, and presentation skills).
• Ability to interface with NERC and FERC representatives.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and groups of technical specialists.
• Knowledge of internal controls, preferably COSO framework.
• Must have or obtain NERC Certified System Operator (NCSO) within one year of start of employment.
• Must have or obtain COSO Internal Control Certificate within one year of start of employment.

Commitment to Culture:

SERC Reliability Corporation is dedicated to being a highly desirable place to work through culture and purpose. We place a strategic focus on critical elements such as Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation & Collaboration, and Organizational Development & Talent Management. Through this strategic focus, SERC has identified its four Cultural Attributes that we believe keeps us on the path of continuous improvement.

Cultural Attributes:

• Leader - Is trustworthy, principled, and respectful and strives to create value that reduces risk. Has a positive vision and is actively building support to execute it. A leader takes personal accountability for the outcomes of their choices and actions, acts with professionalism, and adapts to change in a calm and positive manner. A leader will, when appropriate, ask questions and recommend alternative solutions to new processes or procedures.
• Collaborative - Partners and engages, both internally and externally, to drive meaningful action by leveraging skills, knowledge, and tools. This would include effective written and verbal communication to ensure ideas and messages are clearly and concisely conveyed, being responsive to all stakeholders, understanding goals and objectives while exceeding key metrics and targets. Encourages dialog and candor while making it safe for others to voice their opinion to ensure all alternative viewpoints are heard, they are an active listener.
• Expert - Being credible, objective, disciplined, and sought after to help with continuous learning, improvements, and innovations. Exhibits knowledge of and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Takes initiative to set priorities and convey important information in a timely and efficient manner. Employs good judgment when evaluating a problem by analyzing risk and identifying consequences while demonstrating a sense of organizational stewardship.
• Purposeful - Proactively demonstrates initiative, intentionality, and resourcefulness to help anticipate and navigate current and future challenges. Committed to the quality of work and ensures work is delivered at appropriate deadlines while seeking operational efficiencies. Initiates appropriate follow-up while leveraging industry knowledge and business acumen to make appropriate decisions. Treats others with compassion and empathy and embraces the organization's mission and vision while providing meaningful contributions to organizational endeavors.

Salary/Benefits:

The salary range for this position is DOE. We offer a generous PTO package; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an organization contribution of up to 14%.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Remote work environment; ability to travel as needed.
• Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; frequent hearing and talking required. Extensive keyboarding. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs.

SERC Reliability Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer