Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:

This is a moderately complex technical bookkeeping work requiring knowledge of maintaining utility customer account files, and reviewing and correcting change listings to insure accurate billing. Greet and receives payments from the general public. Assist the Utility Billing Manager and performs administratively in the absence of the Utility Billing Manager.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to: Utility Billing Manager
• Directs: Although this is a non-supervisory position, individual occasionally has responsibility of directing others under instruction of manager or in the absence of the manager.
• Other: Has regular contact with other departmental employees and the general public; may have contact with a variety of other city organizations, vendors, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: This is a description of the way this job is currently performed; there is potential for accommodation.

• Directs the activities of subordinates and perform administrative duties as required in the absence of the Utility Billing Manager or instructed by the manager.
• Greets the public in person or via telephone, responding to questions and requests and referring complex issues to the appropriate person, giving directions, and taking messages where appropriate.
• Work as a cashier receiving utility payments, balancing cash drawer daily. Balances and posts daily receipts for accounts receivable and prepares daily bank deposits; reconciles deposits with computer printout; prepares and enters adjustment entries for accounts.
• Process and maintain changes in customer names, addresses, account status or meter locations from work orders; makes manual corrections in master listings and codes changes for computer; checks change listing for accuracy prior to file update; makes necessary corrections; checks updated master listings against manual entries.
• Checks error messages to detect abnormal metering information; compares past consumption patterns and other known conditions to determine need for rereading or investigation; orders rereading or service department investigation where indicated; makes necessary corrections for billing.
• Process and prepare media for utility and hanger rental bank drafts.
• Prepare second notices of past due accounts and prepare cut-off list for service department.
• Provides meter location information by street address, physical location and meter route book; assists in maintaining route and meter maps and sets up new accounts and reading routes for new subdivisions.
• Researches and compiles account histories of consumption patterns, past service calls, and similar information to assist in resolving disputed billing or service maintenance inquiries.
• Process monthly invoice from franchised garbage vendor for payment
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports and that require maintenance and monitoring.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment and standard clerical techniques.
• Standards and methods of customer account maintenance.
• Basic bookkeeping and billing practices.
• The effect of seasonal weather and activity variations on utility consumption.
• Computers and Microsoft software (Excel, Word)

Ability to:

• Make varied arithmetic computations and tabulations rapidly and accurately.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
• Understand and carry out moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Operate a computer and the ability to develop such skill in a reasonable period of time and operate a 10-key calculator/adding machine.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Detect and analyze indicated metering abnormalities in relation to past consumption patterns, seasonal variations, and other pertinent factors, and to draw reasonable conclusions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school graduation, with courses in typing, bookkeeping and technical accounting;
• Previous training on computer, 10-key (touch), radio dispatching, telephone systems, and other general office equipment.
• Three (3) years in a public sector/ billing customer service office.
• Or a combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to completion of training in bookkeeping and technical accounting subjects and experience in technical accounting or bookkeeping work and a combination substantially equivalent to considerable experience in customer account maintenance, including experience with utility customer accounts.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED:

• May be required to be bondable and/or hold or obtain certification as a Notary Public.
• Bilingual a plus.