Principal/Cost of Capital Expert (Energy practice)

About Charles River Associates

Since 1965, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics.  At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including major law firms, Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies.  Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you launch your career.

Position Overview

Consultants in CRA’s Energy practice have researched, published, taught, and consulted on energy matters for a wide range of clients, including electric and gas utilities, investors, power asset owners and developers, power agencies, large industrial firms, and clean energy technology leaders. Our work in the energy industry has guided the energy transitions of major firms, established legal precedents in economics, and set new standards in market design and oversight.  We have advised on developing the structure of national and regional competitive markets, reorganized multi-billion-dollar companies, testified in hundred-million-dollar damages litigation, and played a key role in most North American utility mergers and acquisitions that have taken place over the last decade.

We are seeking a cost of capital expert to join our team. As a Principal, you will conduct research and use software to organize, analyze, and deliver data-driven insights, and you will always have your project team as a resource. Your responsibilities may include (but are not limited to): 

• Be a thought leader in the utility cost of capital and general ratemaking space;
• Provide expertise on cost of capital related issues, including substantiating returns on equity, projecting capital structures, and developing hypothetical capital structures;
• Lead and manage engagements for our clients seeking to update cost of capital in rate case proceedings. Serve as an expert witness during regulatory proceedings when necessary;
• Maintain strong client relationships and take a multi-channel approach to developing new relationships;
• Identify new opportunities for our clients and create or define products and services that will provide our clients value;
• Oversee the entirety of the client engagement process with little-to-no oversight, from sourcing to final project delivery;
• Deliver presentations and reports to concisely, comprehensively, and accurately share findings with clients on complex matters.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Economics, Finance, Engineering, or Accounting. Master’s degree and/or CFA preferred.
• 10+ years of professional experience in an electric and/or natural gas rate design role.
• 5+ years of professional experience directly managing or leading the work of others.
• Experience testifying as an expert witness before regulatory commissions.
• Extensive experience managing project teams and clients.
• Demonstrated success in selling client engagements and maintaining these relationships over time.
• Have established relationships with executives and decision makers throughout the utility industry.
• Experience developing, working with, and interpreting complex regulatory and financial models.
• Experience supporting client ROE proposals in regulatory proceedings using models such as single and multi-stage DCF, Risk Premium, and CAPM.
• Excellent presentation skills and writing ability.
• Strong problem solving abilities and resourcefulness.
• Working well in a team environment, and willingness to provide mentorship and supervision to junior staff members.

To Apply

To be considered for a position in the United States, we require the following:

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number;
• Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

If you are interested in applying for one of our international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available jobs.

Career Growth and Benefits 

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually