Ethics and Compliance Investigator

JOB TITLE: Ethics and Compliance Investigator

REQUISITION: LEG000G

DIVISION: Legal Services - Topeka General Office or Kansas City Headquarters

LOCATION: Topeka, KS

PAY RANGE: Ethics and Compliance Investigator II: Minimum: $62,300 - Midpoint: $77,900

Compensation will depend on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

Scheduled Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Job may require additional hours as required.

The Ethics and Compliance Investigator is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into potential violations of the Code of Ethics, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) obligations, and Company policies and procedures. Additionally, this role involves developing, maintaining, and updating an effective corporate compliance program to ensure employees are well-informed about the Company's expectations regarding ethics and compliance.

The position maintains a close working relationship with Legal and Human Resources.

* Conduct comprehensive investigations into allegations of misconduct, including violations of the Code of Ethics, EEO obligations, and Company policies.

* Utilize and maintain the investigation case management system to coordinate and store investigation documentation. This includes identifying and implementing system improvements and assisting other users as necessary.

* Monitor and analyze compliance trends and issues across the Company and work with the triage team to develop a recommended response, i.e., targeted training, communication, education, etc.

* Develop and maintain a professional working relationship with Human Resources, Operations, Safety, Legal and senior leadership to facilitate a collaborative and consistent investigation process across the company including recommendations on investigation outcomes.

* Promote a "speak up" culture and the importance of strong ethics and compliance by building robust working relationships throughout the Company. This includes conducting employee outreach across our service area to raise awareness of the Ethics and Compliance program and encourage reporting of concerns.

* Maintain contact and provide guidance, in consultation with Legal and Human Resources, to employees seeking assistance with workplace issues and inquiries related to the Code of Ethics and Corporate Policies.

* Assists with administration of the Code of Ethics, Corporate Policies, and the external ConcernsLine reporting system.

* Participate in compliance-related projects and initiatives to enhance the overall effectiveness and awareness of the corporate compliance program.

* Perform special projects as needed.

* Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience is required.

* Requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, with the ideal candidate having 5 or more years of experience.

* Certification in compliance or ethics (e.g., CCEP, CCEP-I) preferred.

* Proven experience in conducting investigations, which may include experience in law enforcement or other fields requiring investigative skills.

* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

* Strong presentation, written, and verbal communications skills are required

* High level of integrity and ethical judgement. Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

* Experience including compliance, risk and controls, project management, and analytical/problem solving is preferred.

* Ability to build relationships and effectively use oral and written communication skills while interacting with personnel at all levels of the company. Advanced interpersonal skills to handle complex relationships, maintain neutrality, and ensure confidentiality.

* Capability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills including organization, self-motivation, dependability, perceptiveness, decisiveness, objectivity, tact, assertiveness, and persuasiveness.

* Ability to present a professional image to gain the confidence, trust, and cooperation of employees and stakeholders.

* Skilled in evaluating the truthfulness and credibility of witnesses and evidence, conducting root cause analyses, and reaching informed and objective conclusions.

* Strong understanding of compliance requirements, industry standards, and corporate responses, as well as audit and compliance practices to ensure the implementation of an effective compliance program.

* Ability to evaluate and assess compliance positions in response to regulatory requirements and internal controls within the Company.

* Proficiency in reviewing complex applications and evaluating related controls, analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, formulating opinions, and developing recommendations.

* Ability to apply analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and sound reasoning. Capability to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

* High ethical standards and the ability to remain independent.

* Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft office products including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with PowerBI is a plus.

* Expected to model Evergy's Talent Framework Behaviors, the foundation for HOW we do our jobs at Evergy. At a minimum, incumbents should be able to demonstrate their ability to progressively develop and exhibit these skills at a proficient level:

Successful candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Normal office working conditions. Travel to other locations will be required. Must have a satisfactory work record including good attendance.

Evergy has a clear mission - To empower a better future. Evergy chooses to live this mission by valuing People First. We know that to lead the responsible energy transition and provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable service to our customers and communities, we need a team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. So, our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We are committed to celebrating diversity and building a team where everyone - regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status - has a voice and can bring their best every day. We know that the more diverse and inclusive we are, the better we will be. Evergy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.