Be a Part of Something that Matters

At WECC, we affect the lives of 80 million people by influencing risk monitoring and mitigation of the power system in the West. The grid is changing quickly as environmental regulations, economics, technology, and customer demands push the power industry to higher limits. Help us continue our important work by joining our team.

We are seeking a Senior Technical Advisor, Internal Controls to work in the Entity Risk Assessment and Registration (ERAR) department, which is part of WECC’s Reliability and Security Oversight organization. In this role, you will focus on assessing internal compliance and internal controls programs and education initiatives, which include leading efforts on developing, coordinating, and promoting internal controls efforts in the Western Interconnection.

You will—

• Develop strategies to further WECC’s work in focusing on registered entity performance and internal controls as an inherent part of the entire Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP).
• Identify mindset opportunities and training support within the Reliability and Security Oversight organization (responsible for implementing the CMEP) and develop strategies to enhance cross-department collaboration and integration of internal controls focus.
• Work as an internal compliance/controls subject matter expert for WECC, NERC, and registered entities.
• Assess the effectiveness and maturity of internal controls within registered entities, providing feedback to stakeholders on improvements.
• Support NERC and registered entities on matters related to internal compliance programs and internal controls.
• Work with directors within the Reliability and Security Oversight auditors to support best practices in assessing registered entities’ internal controls and compliance culture.
• Participate in internal controls initiatives focused on emerging topics and risks that may affect the reliability of existing and future electric supply and transmission.
• Serve as a liaison between WECC, NERC, and registered entity personnel, committees, and other industry groups or governmental agencies on internal compliance and internal controls issues.
• Work with WECC risk engineers on assessments and assist in compliance oversight plans for registered entities.
• Lead strategy development for all CMEP components’ assessment and consideration of the maturity of entity-specific internal compliance programs and internal controls programs.
• Assist enforcement teams in mitigation assistance tasks and internal controls advisory engagements.
• Develop failure points and guidance for new and existing NERC Reliability Standards and Requirements and improve the failure points and guidance documents based on internal and external stakeholder feedback.
• Work with monitoring and risk teams to develop expectations for internal controls for guided self-certifications.
• Work with registered entities on internal controls best practices and design outreach under the guidance of department management.
• Participate and lead activities to evaluate strategies for internal controls.
• Create and give professional presentations at events.
• Perform other duties related to internal compliance and internal controls.

You will enjoy this role if you—

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and industry experience demonstrating your ability to perform the duties of this position.
• Have at least 10 years of experience working in the electric utility or similar industry in a compliance or regulatory, operational risk, or advisory services role, with a focus on one or more of the following:
  • Identification and categorization of risks to reliability and security,
  • Evaluation or implementation of programs to mitigate those risks,
  • Assessing internal control effectiveness and entity performance, and
  • Operationalizing business activities to maintain compliance with applicable laws or regulations.
• Have at least five years’ experience with NERC’s risk-based CMEP concepts and the continued integration of internal controls focus.
• Have expertise and deep understanding of the risk management practices in the electric industry, particularly in the context of NERC Reliability Standards.
• Have experience developing and applying internal controls.
• Are strongly familiar with COSO, GAGAS, and IIA standards, especially regarding understanding entities (including internal controls) to understand their risks and their ability to mitigate them.
• Have significant experience working in cross-collaborative groups or committees, particularly with members from different organizations.
• Can obtain and maintain relevant security clearances and other related professional certifications.
• Maintain excellent organizational skills and the ability to work on many tasks at the same time.
• Are able and willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

At WECC we—

• Seek information and ask for help,
• Are accountable,
• Embrace the challenges and rewards of change,
• Treat everyone as a colleague,
• Pursue continuous learning,
• Focus on results over completing activities.

Benefits

WECC offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, and paid personal time.

Be a part of something that matters!