Compliance Analyst

As the nations first statewide transmission only company VELCO manages the safe reliable cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.

VELCO is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Compliance Analyst to support our NERC Compliance Program and help protect the reliability and security of Vermonts electric transmission system.

In this role you will work across the organization to ensure compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards strengthen internal controls support regulatory audits and drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce risk and support grid reliability.

The Compliance Analyst is part of a team responsible for supporting the NERC Compliance Program that ensures the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid and every Vermonter. This role ensures adherence to the Transmission NERC Reliability Standards and internal controls that VELCO has developed and continues to develop. The Compliance Analyst also coordinates program and procedure development; performs daily quarterly and yearly tasks to evaluate compliance; as well as other tasks as deemed appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Functions as an internal expert for NERC Reliability Standards controls and best practices for both Operations and Planning (O&P) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
• Ensures the NERC Compliance Program strategy program documentation procedures and evidence are aligned and consistent.
• Develops implements and maintains internal controls to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Reviews standards in development coordinates with departments ensuring appropriate processes are in place to track/monitor for implementation and facilitate Subject Matter Expert(s) in the development of new or updated of program documentation.
• Collaborates with Subject Matter Expert(s) in developing department process maps associated with NERC reliability standards.
• Participates in and leads internal incident investigations with other Compliance team members (Learning Opportunities) to identify areas of improvement and potential area(s) of noncompliance with a focus on NERC compliance.
• Develops and tracks mitigations plans including subtasks and timelines to completion.
• Participates in internal assessments (and leads when designated by Manager NERC Compliance) to identify document and implement process improvements focused on ensuring programmatic improvements and regulatory compliance including identifying risks/weaknesses and proposing actions to eliminate and/or mitigate the impacts of potential risks.
• Develops and delivers training for employees on applicable compliance obligations and their roles and responsibilities.
• Participates in periodic audits performed by NPCC to assess VELCOs compliance with NERC reliability standards.
• Leads responses to regulatory self-certifications quarterly MIDAS submittals and audit or self-reports/self-log RFIs including assembly and responses with Subject Matter Expert(s).
• Serves as the Compliance staff liaison with NPCC regulators on self-logs and self-reports.
• Serves as the Compliance staff liaison between other departments (Information Security Planning Department Engineering HR Department and Physical Security).
• Collaborates with other employees in maintaining the GRC tool to track/monitor compliance with the NERC Reliability Standards.
• Develop GRC evidence schedules and surveys to support mitigation activities.
• Identify gaps in processes controls or documentation and recommend improvements to strengthen compliance and reduce risk.
• Participate in NERC North American Transmission Forum (NATF) and other workshops deemed acceptable and necessary to build credibility and knowledge.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Training

A Bachelors degree in Engineering Information Technology the sciences law mathematics or related discipline or equivalent work experience.

Experience

A minimum of three years of professional experience in a Compliance function or in a technical role in an area such as Operations or Planning with significant responsibility for meeting compliance standards.

Knowledge/Skills

• A firm understanding of energy utility operations and industry compliance programs knowledge of State and Federal regulations NERC reliability and critical infrastructure protection standards NPCC regional standards and compliance obligations FERC guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to perform audits and to conduct compliance investigations and internal controls evaluations.
• Strong analytical interpretive negotiation organizational and project management skills.
• A strong attention to detail and proficiency with technology-based obligation tracking tools.
• Proven ability to cogently present complex technical information to committees management external regulators and industry associations.

For Operations & Planning specifically operator experience ability to read one-line diagrams engineering background electrical experience etc.

• Collaborative cross-functional team environment
• Open office setting and dog friendly
• Opportunity to work closely with engineering IT operations and human resources
• Mission-driven organization supporting critical energy infrastructure

Physical/Mental Demands

Must be able to perform typical administrative functions which may involve long periods of keyboarding and periodically of scanning filing copying etc. Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex analytical work in potentially stressful situations with competing priorities within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work additional hours when necessary. Periodic travel and overnight stays will be required when attending industry workshops trainings etc.

Compensation Range:

This compensation range represents the minimum midpoint and maximum pay for this position. Individual offers will be based on various factors including but not limited to qualifications education skills competencies and experience. Please note that most offers for new employees fall under the midpoint of the range allowing room for continued salary growth. Base pay is just one component of our total compensation package which may also include comprehensive benefits generous paid time off and incentive compensation (bonus) potential.