Operational Compliance Auditor

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

The Operational Compliance Auditor works closely with all levels of management across the organization related to audit, assurance, and compliance activities. The position is responsible for ensuring the company is compliant with regulations, control environment, internal policies & procedures, risk mitigations, and governance practices.  The role primarily supports operational, compliance, and assurance activities.  This position is located in San Jose, California and reports to the Director of Internal Audit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs advisory and consulting activities related to the design, implementation, and oversight of effective compliance programs

• Perform audit and assurance activities to assess the company’s obligations related to, compliance, regulations, third party agreements, standards, internal policies, operational procedures, and laws

• Develop progressive and innovative approaches to compliance and operational assessments 

• Partners with functional owners/stakeholders in the development of business assurances work related to emerging regulations, business practices, enterprise risk management, sustainability, and operating procedures

• Advises Management in assessing risks, develop governance models, and evaluate the compliance impacts to operational processes

• Contributes to the delivery of projects and programs under the responsibility of the Internal Audit Function

• Prepares relevant business reports and presentations for management

• Facilitates the Company’s Compliance and Operational Assurance Programs

• Evaluates potential violations and conducts investigations to determine the facts and root cause

• Collects and analyzes data, reviews documents, and assesses samples to draw independent and objective conclusions

• Supports the functional design, implementation, and administration of technological solutions for internal audit and risk management, including automation 

• Recommends modifications to improve the effectiveness of risk management, control environment, and governance processes

• Assigns, reviews, and manages activities performed by co-sourced partners, consultants, any part-time resources

• Develops and maintains successful relationships and partnerships with internal customers, stakeholders, and external parties

• May perform activities to support the company’s SOX Compliance Program

• Assists in providing department trainings and knowledge enhancement

• Performs other similar duties as assigned

• Performs work on-site in assigned office location

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or and/or equivalent relevant experience

• Ten years of progressive experience working in compliance, business, and operational auditing

• Compliance and utility experience preferred

• MBA, CPA, CMA, or IIA Certified Internal Auditor and/or Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional desired

• High proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications and collaboration tools

• Valid California Driver License

KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIES:

• Excellent self-starter with solid project management skills

• Strong attention to detail, analytical abilities, research skills, and objective thinking

• Compliance auditing approaches and development of reporting documentation

• Ability to understand and analyze business processes, compliance, internal control theory, COSO 2013, and governance

• Strong understanding of risk management and abilities to analyze and evaluate effectiveness of mitigations

• Working knowledge of business best practices in compliance and operational auditing and assurance

• Excellent interpersonal skills needed to build positive working relationships across all functions within the Company