NERC Internal Controls & Compliance Coordinator

Southern Company Operations Compliance

This position will be located at APC Headquarters in Birmingham, AL

Job Summary

The position exists to provide staff support to the NERC Internal Controls Project Manager responsible for developing and executing an effective internal control program to prevent and detect non-compliance with NERC Reliability Standards and Southern Company policies. The position also exists to ensure that Southern Company Operations Compliance Programs are consistent and coordinated with Southern Company and subsidiary Compliance Programs.

Position Responsibilities

General position responsibilities fall into three primary categories: Program Management, Monitoring & Enforcement, and Liaison:

Program Management is broad in scope and requires the coordinator to maintain knowledge of issues in the areas of NERC and CIP Cyber Security regulatory compliance. Subject areas and issues must be reduced to program-level activities which ensure compliance, are easy to comprehend by employees and that incorporate Our Values / Southern Company Culture.

Monitoring & Enforcement is critical to prevent, detect and correct non-compliant actions and unethical conduct. The coordinator assists in developing feedback and monitoring mechanisms to evaluate internal control program effectiveness and to notify management of potential non-compliances to allow for appropriate audit or investigation.

Liaison activities with internal policy groups and subject matter experts are key to program success. Gaining synergy and support within other functional areas and subsidiary companies solidifies endorsement, acceptance and implementation of system-level programs as well as ensures consistency across Operations.

Specifically, the NERC Internal Controls & Compliance Coordinator assists in the design, management, direction and oversight of the following: (i) developing a risk assessment specific to NERC Reliability and CIP Cyber Security Standards compliance; (ii) developing a program for identifying, designing and documenting internal controls that support Southern Company’s compliance with NERC Reliability and CIP Cyber Security Standards; (iii) developing a program for periodic monitoring and testing of internal controls including the reporting of internal control concerns and recommendations to management; (iv) developing program (control framework) documentation to ensure repeatability and consistency in program execution; (v) special projects as directed by the NERC Internal Controls Project Manager or the Operations Compliance Director.

Education

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree required in Engineering, Information Systems or Business.
Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), or Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) accreditation preferred.

Experience

3 years Operations experience in Generation, Power Delivery, or similar preferred.
3 years supporting compliance-related activities specific to NERC Reliability Standards (including Cyber Security and Information Technology experience applying cyber security standards) preferred.
Experience leading team or organizational efforts to comply with regulatory requirements.
Experience developing and maintaining compliance-related documentation including policies, procedures, risk assessments, and audit evidence.
Experience developing technical documentation including procedures, flow-charts, specifications, cost estimates, business cases, requests for information, etc.
Experience successfully working across matrix organizations.
Experience facilitating communications about compliance-related topics.
Experience identifying opportunities for process efficiencies and implementing process improvements.
Experience in developing or testing internal controls designed to ensure work practices are successfully completed.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Strong oral and written communication, evaluation, and analytical skills are required to be successful in this role.
Thorough understanding of energy regulation laws and standards and of the principles of an effective internal controls program specific to energy regulation.
Ability to interpret control frameworks and regulations, identify and prioritize risks, and assist in the design and execution of management programs and internal controls to effectively manage compliance risks.
Ability to design and execute internal control monitoring programs on behalf of management.
Ability to design and deliver internal control-related training programs on behalf of management.
Strong interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation skills to effectively communicate, consult, and build working relationships with employees, senior management, industry peers, regulatory contacts and contractors.
Ability to manage multiple projects and demonstrate effective project management skills including planning, organizing, and directing.
Computer-skills, including proficiency with MS Word, MS PowerPoint (presentations), MS Outlook and Teams for Business as well as the ability to quickly learn vendor compliance software applications (e.g. WDesk, etc.)
Proficiency in SharePoint, Microsoft Excel, MS Access, MS Project and/or other project management related applications is helpful.
Able to partner with stakeholders in business units to find win-win solutions.

Behavioral Attributes

Commitment to Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity and Superior Performance.
Continual learner, highly self-motivated, team player, flexible/adaptable, committed to diversity, positive attitude, open to change, able to overcome obstacles to making progress towards objectives, interested in learning and applying new technology.

Travel Requirements

This position can require some travel – generally less than 25%.
This will include some overnight travel

Additional Details

Limited relocation assistance is available if the selected candidate currently resides outside the area
Please submit an updated resume with your application.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and beneﬁts will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 12179

Job Category: Legal & Compliance

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services

Southern Company

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