Director, Regulatory Affairs (Utilties) (Finance)

The Nexus Water Group has an opportunity for a Director, Regulatory Affairs. Manages, plans, directs, organizes, and coordinates the activities of all regulatory functions to ensure the completeness, adequacy, accuracy and timeliness of all projects. As a principal point of contact for regulatory authorities for the company's utility operations, this position is responsible for representing the company at regulatory hearings and tribunals, and for developing and maintaining a positive relationship with the regulators in the jurisdictions in which we operate.Who We Are

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 20 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

"Nexus" means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,300 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Starting at 3 weeks annually and paid company holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
• 401(k) Program: Employer contribution. Employer contribution made to the 401(k) plan are vested at 100% and start 30 days after your start.
• Grow with us: Professionally development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

Overview

The Nexus Water Group has an opportunity for a Director, Regulatory Affairs. Manages, plans, directs, organizes, and coordinates the activities of all regulatory functions to ensure the completeness, adequacy, accuracy and timeliness of all projects. Directs the preparation of rate filings including exhibits relating to costs and rates to be presented, and provides testimony in support of such exhibits. Responsible for the direction and coordination of all other matters which need to be placed before the commission - in consultation with other departments. Establishes and maintains methods, procedures, and internal controls for the department. Performs analyses and evaluation of complex statistical accounting and regulatory data. As a principal point of contact for regulatory authorities for the company's utility operations, this position is responsible for representing the company at regulatory hearings and tribunals, and for developing and maintaining a positive relationship with the regulators in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

Work Location and Schedule

This position can be primarily based in Baton Rouge, LA, Mandeville, LA, Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA, or Savannah, GA with some travel.

What You'll Do

• Acts as a principal point of contact for regulatory authorities, manages the preparation and submission of regulatory applications and recurring regulatory reports, represents the company at regulatory proceedings (including participation in written and oral hearings as required), and ensuring adherence to applicable legislation, rules and policies.
• Works with the Financial Planning and Analysis team to ensure the development, maintenance and updating of cost of service and similar utility financial forecast models for regulatory applications and non-regulated utility contracts.
• Ensures technical safety and environmental safety compliance with the relevant regulatory bodies.
• Participates as needed in utility acquisition projects, Request for Proposal responses, feasibility studies, and due diligence studies.
• Prepares recurring internal reports to senior leadership analyzing utility returns and performance against benchmarks, monitors ongoing developments in the utility sector and energy markets, and advises senior leadership on issues that could impact the company's regulated utility businesses.
• Works with finance, treasury, legal, tax, operations and external advisers to prepare and manage regulatory filings and other reports as required, including the development and maintenance of related financial forecast models, in support of the companies regulated and contract utility operations
• Develops and updates utility rates for existing and prospective customers using financial forecasting and analysis tools, ensures that tariffs conform to regulatory requirements and obligations and balancing a customer-oriented approach while maintaining the company's ability to meet the requirements
• Manages regulatory deadlines to ensure submission timelines are met, including information requests, utility arguments and compliance filings. Involves organization, tracking, submissions, calendaring, noticing and filing, and formats and proofs regulatory filings ensuring accuracy and conformity with strategy and all parts of the filing are congruent
• Works with the internal and external regulatory team to develop legal arguments and provide information for the preparation of expert written and oral testimony, representing the company at hearings and tribunals
• Provides internal regulatory training for staff and recommendations for external regulatory training
• Participates in utility acquisition projects by providing regulatory due diligence, financial evaluation, and support for business cases prepared for senior management, evaluating business proposals and projects in jurisdictions throughout North America
• Participates as needed in Request for Proposal (RFP) responses, feasibility studies, and due diligence studies for the companies current and prospective utility customers
• Keeps abreast of all issues and industry trends that could impact the company's regulated operations and provides guidance for management in matters that deal directly or indirectly with utility regulation
• As required, prepares, reviews or manages regular internal reporting on utility performance and all external regulatory and similar contractual reporting requirements
• Researches, drafts and files Commission and customer complaint responses
• Performs other duties as required.

What you'll bring

Experience

• Required to have a minimum of 8 years of direct involvement in dealing with a regulatory commission reflecting increasing levels of responsibility and accomplishments and experience which provides a thorough knowledge of regulatory filings, management and accounting principles, regulatory theory and practice. Thorough working knowledge of all applicable regulatory and governmental regulations affecting the Company.

Education, Certification, and Licenses

• Bachelor's degree with major in Accounting or Business Administration required.
• CPA certification required.
• Valid Driver's License

Nice to Have

• MBA or MS in Business Administration preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Regulatory & technical competency with utility regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information associated with utility regulation (e.g. rules, guidelines, policies)
• Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures.
• A thorough knowledge of all applicable governmental regulations affecting Company business. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with responsible personnel in many different organizational segments. Working knowledge of personal computer and demonstrated proficiency in spread sheet, word processing and graphics software.

Work Environment

• May be required to sit for long periods of time, must be able to walk long distances, may work long and irregular hours under demanding conditions, must be able to operate a Company passenger vehicle or pickup truck, must have adequate vision and hearing that is required to communicate with personnel in person or by telephone and may require moderate lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Employee works in a climate-controlled office environment shared by other employees.

About Our Company

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law.

We are an E-Verify participating employer.

NWGUS