Associate/NERC Compliance Analyst

The NERC compliance analyst monitors and verifies compliance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and MEC policies and procedures associated with maintaining NERC compliance. Participates on the MidAmerican NERC committees and taskforces. Provides direction and ownership of computer applications, documentation, and evidence that support NERC compliance. Supports compliance conformance analyses reviews to determine compliance, resulting corrective action plans, develops strategies to improve MEC compliance and promotes policies through industry forums. The NERC compliance analyst requires a detailed knowledge of the NERC reliability standards.

Provides guidance to the NERC compliance department personnel and various subject matter experts across the organization, including accesses processing, facility security, asset management and maintenance, compliance monitoring, preparation of required documentation and follow-up per the standards. Provide guidance for problem resolution. Measure and correct performance objectives of processes, procedures, program documents, and evidence associated with maintaining compliance with NERC reliability standards. (15%)

Ensure changes are implemented to achieve/maintain NERC compliance due to changes in standards or operational excellence. Lead the development, production and review of processes, procedures, program documents and verify strength of evidence to demonstrate compliance with NERC standards. Translate complex standards into specific evidence requirements. Present assessments and recommendations to management. (10%)

Develop and support methods to train company personnel on NERC standard requirements. Participate in and may lead NERC task force teams. (10%)

Ensure compliance with all NERC reliability standards assigned, policies, procedures and requirements. Conduct assessments required for NERC compliance. Gather, verify and prepare information for reports, audits, spot checks and self-certifications. Maintain records for NERC compliance and analyze data with data maintained for NERC Compliance, other compliance and other corporate applications. (10%)

Respond to internal requests for interpretation of NERC standards. Communicate and promote appropriate application of the standards to maintain MidAmerican compliance. Act as liaison with external contacts to ensure compliance, resolve issues and build relationships. Resolve escalated compliance situations and promote processes that help to find, fix, prevent and document gaps. (10%)

Play a key role in supporting, developing and maintaining technology solutions for managing NERC accesses and asset data, including but not limited to access control matrix, event tracking system, non-MEC personnel system, CIPCON, SharePoint and interfaces to other corporate systems leveraged to maintain compliance with applicable NERC reliability standards. (10%)

Review and evaluate postings of NERC standards, policies and related material for impact on NERC compliance program evidence. Participate in regional and national workshops, working groups and forums, task teams and standards drafting teams to help improve standards and policies. Recommend strategies for company responses on posted draft changes and submits responses to NERC, regional entities, and/or drafting teams. (10%)

Conduct compliance conformance analyses to resolve compliance questions for possible issues detected. Lead cross-functional teams that include managers and directors conducting complex, cross-functional analysis through research, gathering and interpreting data, developing alternatives and recommendations. Present analyses and recommendations to management. (10%)

Lead development of corrective action plans to correct possible issues, prevent recurrence and improve process operational and compliance excellence. Track action plans to completion. Lead complex, cross-functional process gap analysis. Facilitate feedback on development of processes, procedures, technology, training and communications. (5%)

Recommend strategy, prepares, submits and tracks self reports and mitigation plans filed with the regulator. (5%)

Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (5%)

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, engineering, business administration or a related field or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related progressive work experience would be required of those who do not have a bachelor’s degree.)

Minimum of three years of working experience preferably in an electric utility environment, but related compliance and/or internal controls experience in another environment will be considered. 

Minimum of six years of working experience preferably in an electric utility environment for the analyst role, but related compliance and/or internal controls experience in another environment will be considered.

Experience with hardware and software technology from information technology and/or business operations roles is preferred, as well as experience interpreting, implementing, auditing and/or following regulations.

High degree of accuracy, attention to detail and follow-through.

Demonstrated ability to recognize patterns and trends in complex, unfamiliar and diverse information.

Demonstrated superior analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills with complex and diverse subjects.

Advanced software skills to direct development and use spreadsheets, documents, databases and ad hoc reports.

Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft's Office Suite, especially Excel.

Effective interpersonal and leadership abilities with a demonstrated ability to communicate complex information accurately and understandably.  

Advanced negotiation skills in order to influence, persuade, sell and lead opinion on complex information with diverse audiences across all levels of the company.

Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.

Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.