Principal Consultant - Utility Prudence Expert
About the role
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Consultant – Utility Prudence Expert based in the United States.
This is a senior consulting opportunity for an experienced energy and utilities professional with deep expertise in utility regulation, financial prudence, and energy infrastructure investments. In this role, you will advise clients on complex regulatory and financial matters, evaluate the reasonableness of utility expenditures, and support decisions affecting major energy system modernization initiatives. You will lead consulting engagements, provide expert analysis and testimony in regulatory proceedings, and contribute to utility rate cases and strategic transactions. Working with investor-owned utilities and other industry stakeholders, you will translate complex technical and financial issues into clear, actionable recommendations for executive audiences. You will also help shape new consulting services, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to business development initiatives. This remote-first opportunity offers the chance to influence important energy industry decisions while collaborating with a knowledgeable, multidisciplinary consulting team.
Accountabilities
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Lead, oversee, and manage client consulting engagements for investor-owned utilities and other energy industry organizations, ensuring high-quality deliverables and effective project execution.
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Provide specialized expertise and, where appropriate, expert witness testimony regarding the prudence of energy and electric system modernization investments.
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Assess the financial soundness and reasonableness of utility expenditures to support regulatory cost recovery and the evaluation of recoverable capital investments.
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Contribute expert analysis, written reports, and testimony for utility rate cases and other regulatory proceedings.
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Support utility mergers and acquisitions, including financial and operational due diligence, transaction assessments, and related advisory work.
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Evaluate the performance, frequency, and revenue contribution of existing consulting services, identifying opportunities to improve offerings and strengthen market position.
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Support business development activities, identify new consulting opportunities, and cultivate long-term relationships with existing and prospective utility clients.
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Lead the development, design, and implementation of new service offerings that respond to emerging market needs and evolving regulatory challenges.
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Communicate complex technical, financial, and regulatory concepts clearly to utility executives, clients, regulators, and other stakeholders.
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Collaborate with colleagues across consulting teams while independently managing priorities, maintaining analytical rigor, and protecting confidential client information.
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Travel occasionally to client locations and regulatory hearings, primarily within the United States and Canada.
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Bachelor's degree in Economics, Mathematics, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline; a master's degree, MBA, or PhD is preferred.
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At least 10 years of experience in the energy and utilities sector, gained through a consulting firm, utility organization, public utilities commission, or Big Four accounting firm.
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Demonstrated expertise in utility regulation, prudence reviews, energy system modernization, capital investment recovery, and utility financial analysis.
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Experience preparing, writing, or delivering expert witness testimony for utility rate cases or other regulatory proceedings.
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Proven ability to generate consulting services sales, identify business opportunities, and coordinate team-based business development activities.
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Track record of leading the conception, development, and implementation of new consulting services or service offerings.
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Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex utility investment and regulatory issues.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling reports, deliver presentations, and explain sophisticated concepts to senior utility leadership.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to develop clear, data-driven client deliverables.
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize workloads, work independently, and maintain accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality.
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A collaborative, collegial approach and the ability to contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams while taking ownership of individual responsibilities.
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Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to client sites and regulatory hearings across the United States and Canada.
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Competitive base salary: Compensation typically starts at $200,000 annually, depending on the level of appointment.
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Annual incentive compensation: Eligibility for additional incentive-based bonus compensation.
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Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance programs.
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Retirement savings: 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
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Paid time off: Vacation time to support rest and work-life balance.
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Flexible spending accounts: Access to accounts designed to help manage eligible healthcare and other expenses.
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Professional development: Tuition reimbursement and training opportunities to support continued learning and career growth.
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Flexible work arrangements: Remote work opportunities across the United States, with hybrid options available in Washington, DC, and Marlborough, Massachusetts.
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Ownership potential: Opportunity to become a shareholder in the firm.
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Collaborative culture: Work in a collegial, cooperative environment that values analytical excellence, teamwork, and diverse professional perspectives.