Program Consultant – Utility Finance & Energy Efficiency

The CARIAN Group is seeking a Program Consultant for Utility Finance & Energy Efficiency in Newark, NJ, with a hybrid work model allowing up to 3 days remote. The role involves financial analysis, forecasting, and process improvement for energy efficiency programs, requiring a Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience. CARIAN is a women-owned consulting firm focused on the power and utilities sector, offering competitive compensation and benefits.
Program Consultant – Utility Finance & Energy Efficiency
Location: Newark, New Jersey

Hybrid – Up to 3 days in the office

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, women-owned consulting and advisory firm exclusively serving the power and utilities sector. We help utilities deliver energy programs, manage capital projects, and improve operational performance.

We're hiring a Program Consultant with strong utility financial experience to support energy efficiency initiatives. You’ll lead forecasting, financial analysis, and continuous improvement efforts supporting one of our utility clients—while helping document and streamline core financial processes that keep the program running smoothly.

Responsibilities
• Build and manage bottom-up forecasts and budgets for energy efficiency programs
• Analyze actuals vs. forecast and conduct variance reviews with internal and client teams
• Apply utility accounting standards to ensure accurate financial tracking
• Evaluate energy savings, program ROI, and investment performance
• Document financial workflows and identify opportunities for process improvement
• Lead initiatives that improve accuracy, efficiency, and reporting speed
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across program, finance, and engineering teams
• Communicate financial insights clearly to technical and non-technical audiences

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in financial analysis and/or accounting—must include utilities or energy program work
• Expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and investment evaluation
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills; reporting tool proficiency a plus
• Experience with utility regulatory and reporting requirements
• Strong communicator with the ability to translate data into decisions
• Process-driven and improvement-minded

Why CARIAN
• 100% focused on power and utilities
• Trusted by Fortune 500 utility clients
• Competitive compensation and full benefits package
• Hybrid flexibility with high-performance culture
• Work that drives real impact—from energy savings to grid resilience

CARIAN takes pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender expression or identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local legally protected class.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, CARIAN is committed to providing employment opportunities to women, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.