Operations & Planning Auditor - SERC Reliability Corporation
Charlotte, NC
About the Job
The electric grid is vital to our everyday lives. It is fundamental for the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, and provides the platform for our economy and our societal and technological advances. SERC's mission is to reduce risks to the reliability and security of the electric grid (also known as the bulk power system), not only for today but also for the future.
To achieve this mission, we maintain a diverse team of experts across numerous disciplines in order to address the complex, evolving, and dynamic challenges facing the grid. Our team also partners with the best and brightest individuals from both the power industry and the federal government to understand and address the challenges facing the grid. These key partnerships make our work more informed, pragmatic, responsive, and impactful.
The Operations and Planning (O&P) Compliance Auditor coordinates, schedules and occasionally leads audit teams in the execution of Compliance Audits, Organizational Certifications and Spot-Checks in the SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC) region. The incumbent supports implementation of the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP) established by SERC in coordination with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Position Start date: January 2025
DUTIES AND 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 that are accurate and contain sufficient justification for the MGR and Risk Assessment and Mitigation department to reach a similar conclusion as the audit team.
- 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 with regard to 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 electric utility industry with background in regulatory, technical and/or compliance activities in a related field.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards. Prior audit experience a plus.
- Four year and/or higher educational degree in a technical field with preference for Engineering. Equivalent experience 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 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 strive 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 - Partner and engage, 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. Exhibit knowledge of and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Take initiative to set priorities and convey important information in a timely and efficient manner. Employ good judgment when evaluating a problem by analyzing risk and identifying consequences while demonstrating a sense of organizational stewardship.
- Purposeful - Proactively demonstrate 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. Initiate appropriate follow-up while leveraging industry knowledge and business acumen to make appropriate decisions. Treat others with compassion and empathy and embrace the organization's mission and vision while providing meaningful contributions to organizational endeavors.
If the traits and characteristics listed in our Cultural Attributes resonate with you, we encourage you to apply!
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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer