Revenue Collection Specialist

SUMMARY

The City of Opa-locka is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Finance Director with ERP maintenance and implementation, government finance and financial auditing experience to work for a trend-setting city. This opportunity provides great benefits and competitive pay.

NATURE OF WORK

Varied responsible work in the Finance Department involved in revenue collection to include but not limited to utility billing and collection, customer relations and related duties. Work includes the management of a computerized utility billing system; establishing and maintaining adequate administrative controls and record keeping procedures; coordinating with meter reading and meter service activities; and researching and settling customer complaints or injuries regarding billings. Employees in this class must exercise a high degree of independent judgement and tact in order to communicate effectively with customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Prepare or assists in the preparation of utility billings, correspondence in reply to customer inquiries or complaints, statical data for city auditors and outside agencies, and related correspondence.

· Prepare the information for computer input regarding billings and billing adjustments to accounts.

· Research complex utility account transactions to respond to customer inquiries concerning billing, payments and adjustments.

· Coordinate with Water Department operations personnel to schedule the meter reading and testing in response to customer inquiries or complaints.

· Serve as backup cashier as needed.

· Update and maintain customer accounts with payment history, outstanding balances, and any relevant changes.

· Maintain financial and other reports related to uncollected charges and collections.

· Answer questions and complaints regarding customers’ bills within a reasonable time period and professional manner.

· Prepares correspondence concerning services, bills and deposits; initiates work orders for water service turn-on and shut-off as well as the removal of other City charges.

· May have preliminary discussion with customers regarding: payment schedules and arrangements

· Acquire proper authorization for adjustments to water bills when appropriate

· Work effectively with employees, supervisors and the general public

· Must be able to work independently within the City’s policies and procedures

· Operate a variety of general office equipment

· Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS.

· Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, County, and City laws and regulations applicable or relating to operations of the Revenue Division.

· Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration.

· Considerable knowledge of office management and records maintenance (particularly as it relates to the billing and collection of utility accounts)

· Knowledge of public relations

· Ability to exhibit excellent customer service skills in a positive and effective manner

· Some knowledge of basic accounting principles and bookkeeping procedures, and practices

· Some knowledge of the operation of water, sewerage, and waste collection systems

· Knowledge of computer operations

· Strong attention to detail and accuracy with numbers

· Ability to write short emails, memos, and other types of communications

· Ability to treat information with confidentiality

· Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing

· Ability to prepare daily, weekly, monthly reports on revenue collected, as needed

· Ability to utilize independent judgement in making decisions concerning a variety of administrative and customer problems

EDUCATION

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Accounting, Finance or Business.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

· Three (3) years full-time paid experience in accounting, computer operations, utility billing and collections, customer service or the equivalent

· Maintaining taxes and databases associated information

· Working with computer systems and Excel spreadsheet experience

· Related experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to daily use a computer, telephone, and keyboard, type equipment for long periods of time. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Employment At-Will

Employees have a work-at-will relationship throughout their employment. This means that employment is for an undefined period. Either the employee or the City OF Opa-Locka, without cause or notice, may terminate it.

Equal Employment Opportunity/EEO

The City of Opa-Locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-Locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. selection of

volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.