Regulatory Cost Accountant – Access Network

Regulatory Cost Accountant – Access Network

eir has a regulatory obligation to maintain a cost accounting model that is objective, non-discriminatory and transparent. This cost model primarily underpins the legally mandated Audited Annual Separated Accounts; and supports the justification of the Regulated wholesale prices that eir charges to Retail Service Providers. 

This role focuses primarily on modelling the cost of eir’s shared Duct and Pole infrastructure and Access Networks (within the overall cost model). This includes cost model design, development, maintenance and typically annual execution. The ideal candidate will have strong cost accounting and some systems accounting experience. 

A major element of cost model maintenance is the collection of network statistics from diverse eir technology stakeholders and network management platforms. Following the principle of cost causation, network statistics have to be compiled into standardised reports to allocate the related network costs to the products/services they support. Network statistics often require processing via bespoke software which the role-holder will need to specify and test.

The Regulatory Cost Accountant in Network Costing will be responsible for ensuring the input data is complete and fit for purpose and that the resulting cost allocations are correctly reflected in the cost accounting model. This candidate will also support the annual regulatory audit of network costs, as undertaken by eir’s external auditor, EY. Critically the role holder must maintain a strong relationship with Access Network and Pole & Duct subject matter experts, data providers and other relevant individuals as well as facilitating the engagement of the auditors.

The candidate will generally specialise in the areas mentioned above, but additionally will manage, maintain and execute selected Inter-Business-Unit Transfer charging processes, as well as some lower complexity studies. 

Key Tasks

• Design, maintain and execute eir’s CEI Infrastructure (Duct & Pole) methodologies, Access network methodologies, selected IBUs and some selected minor studies. 

• Plan & implement changes to studies keeping pace with changing networks and products.

• Identify & deliver process, systems & reporting improvements and maintain & update relevant documentation

• Coordinate and execute assigned  network statistics in a timely manner to inform the allocation of accounting network costs to Network Elements and onwards to products/services, for example:-

  • CEI costing studies (Duct & Poles) across Network Elements

  • Access Networks (Copper and Fibre)  

  • Selected Transfer Charges 

• Become the Subject Matter Expert for, inter alia CEI, Access Network Studies and selected IBU methodologies 

• Monitoring the CEI changing landscape; championing the cause in respect of improvement of recorded information; and becoming an expert in systems where CEI related data is recorded.

• Preparation of Additional Financial Information and relevant Secondary Documentation

• Conduct Analytical Reviews of all studies and selected statements

• Review network statistics with relevant stakeholders to assess accuracy and ensure data integrity

• Respond to related audit queries as appropriate 

• Coordinate & manage study peer reviews for own studies, and undertake peer reviews for colleagues

• Obtain stakeholder sign-off as required

• Support the response to pricing & market reviews and other data requests from ComReg

• Ad hoc reporting and analysis as required

Key Performance Indicators

• Annual delivery of cost allocation studies to schedule and associated reconciliation.

• Integrity and accuracy of the network statistical information and timely completion of analytical reviews of both Inputs and Outputs,

• Level of strength developed in Subject Matter Expertise 

• Build and maintain strong positive working relationships with CEI infrastructure and Access Network SMEs & System owners  

• Quality and readability of documentation

Competency Profile

Business Competencies      [5 to 1 = High to Low]                  

• Results Focus (4)                            

• Problem Solving (3)

• Communication Skills (3)  

People Competencies

• Team working (3)   

• Influencing and Winning commitment (3) 

• Leadership (3)         

Experience

• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

  • Strong strategic analytical and modelling capability (i.e. ability to interpret and contextualise information).

  • Ability to deal knowledgeably with Technical groups within the company.

• Quantitative abilities: high proficiency in MS Excel. Knowledge of MS-Access is a definitive advantage

• Proven ability to work independently

• Good communication and presentation skills. Ideally, the candidate will have Strong and broad knowledge of telecommunications networks, but not essential.

Supervising Manager

• Head of Network Costing
  

Direct Reports

• None. However, a significant element of the role requires the management of relationships with multiple internal teams