Ethics & Compliance Consultant

JOB SUMMARY

The Compliance Consultant provides support to the Ethics and Compliance department in developing and administering the corporate compliance program at Southern Company Gas (SCG).  This position administers daily compliance efforts, and continually coordinates with management, functional area compliance contacts and compliance risk area subject matters experts to ensure the Company’s Compliance Program is comprehensive, understood and followed. 

This position identifies and implements best practices, processes, and procedures that support SCG’s compliance program and activities to ensure consistency with the Southern Company Compliance Program and the Ethics and Corporate Framework document. This position also provides updates and counsel to business unit leadership on compliance-related matters

In addition, the consultant is responsible for coordinating and administering compliance initiatives and activities; providing training to managers and employees regarding ethics and  developing and coordinating the communication strategies and tactics for the Ethics and Compliance Department. 

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain accurate corporate policies to ensure they meet the Company’s compliance requirements including creating and implementing new policies as appropriate.
• Manage the annual reviewing and revising of corporate policy.  Determine what associated training or communication may be needed.
• Lead functional compliance personnel and compliance risk area subject matter experts (SMEs) in establishing methods for staying informed of changes in legislation, regulation and enforcement that could impact the Company, specifically in the areas of employment law, environmental regulations, safety and health requirements, accounting rules and financial reporting requirements, copyright law, contracts, and other regulatory compliance areas that govern our business.
• Manage the quarterly Compliance Officer Disclosure process by providing compliance information to the Southern Company General Counsel and identify and train SCG Compliance Risk Area subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide input.
• Implement and evaluate changes to the Southern Company Ethics and Compliance Corporate Framework that might potentially impact the company.
• Coordinate the annual administration and completion of the Compliance Questionnaire for SCG and the investigation and resolution of exceptions. 
• Provide guidance to employees and management regarding compliance requirements and corporate policy.
• Partner with other compliance professionals to address recurring issues identified throughout the company. 
• Collaborate with Workplace Ethics to develop programs and activities that foster an ethical behavior culture.
• Develop reports for management that communicate activities and initiatives and recommend improvements in the overall compliance program.
• Monitor and respond as appropriate to regulation and legislation that might potentially impact the company.
• Coordinate the development and/or delivery of relevant ethics and compliance training and related communications
• Conduct benchmarking with other utilities to identify compliance practices or procedures and metrics to measure performance that could enhance SCG’s  compliance program.
• Stay abreast of industry changes and compliance trends, recommending changes to internal company processes and policies as needed.
• Monitor and follow up on data privacy violations as required.
• Coordinate the review of all arrests and maintain the associated database, including the evaluation of applicants with prior convictions.
• Collaborate with Workforce Compliance to oversee and ensure adherence to the Motor Vehicle Program.
• Lead the annual Illinois disclosure process and manage subsequent data requests.
• Provide assistance on other projects as deemed necessary by management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Required:  BA/BS degree in management, business, or law related fields; advanced degree a plus
• 3-7 years work experience in Compliance, risk management, audit or legal roles.
• Previous experience in positions with responsibility for compliance, ethics, legal, or auditing, programs desired. 
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks experience preferred.
• Risk assessment and internal controls experience preferred.
• Minimum 3 years experience with data analysis and reporting (Excel, dashboards)

Experience

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and investigative mindset
• Excellent written communication (for reports & policies)
• Attention to detail
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information
• Stakeholder management across departments
• Training/Facilitation
• Possess intermediary computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel, MS Outlook, etc.)
• Knowledge of SCG business unit operations and regulatory environment.
• Ability to plan, organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective problem solving ability including relating and comparing data from different sources, identifying issues, securing relevant information, critically evaluating situations, and making sound factual decisions.
• Ability to interpret regulations and evaluate impact on the compliance program and activities, including designing programs, policies, and controls to effectively mitigate compliance risks.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and an open communication style.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize work and handle confidential information and sensitive issues.
• Ability to deal effectively with all levels of management.
• Ability to initiate appropriate and effective program communication and training to ensure that all employees are aware of the compliance programs and how the program affects employee actions and behaviors.

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethics and integrity, communicates clearly, and applies sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million 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 solutions provider 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 customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas 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 has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. 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.