Utility Billing Account Clerk II

City of Newton, Kansas

Job Description

ACCOUNT CLERK II (Utility Billing)

Department: Administration

Reports To: Utility Billing Supervisor

Grade: 4

FLSA: Non-exempt

Position Summary

The Utility Billing (UB) Account Clerk II reports to the Utility Billing Supervisor and will possess an energetic outgoing personality who enjoys interacting with others. This position is responsible for accepting and processing monies which are submitted to the City in payment of utilities or other fees, posts payments in the computer, balances receipts at the end of each day and, is responsible for working with citizens regarding utility bills in person, via telephone, and via email. While assignments follow prescribed policies and procedures, the UB Account Clerk II must use tact and discretion when dealing with the public. This position works Monday-Thursday 7:15am - 5:45pm and Friday 7:45am-12:15pm.

Essential Functions:

• Receive and post utility and other payments via check, cash, money order, and credit card.
• Balance daily receipts;
• Assist customers with billing concerns and complaints;
• Prepare daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports;
• Process service orders for new, discontinued, and transferred services;
• Assist in setting up and implementing record keeping for cross connections and back flow prevention;
• Assist other Utility Account Clerks;
• Handle customer inquiries;
• Issue dog licenses
• Redistributes non-sufficient funds and begin the process for collection.
• Assist with yearly residential sewer averaging.

Marginal functions:

• Assist with preparing bills for mailing, and operate mailing machine for the inserting and mailing of monthly bills.
• Other related duties as deemed necessary or required.

Position Requirements:

Experience: Must have at least one year of prior experience in customer service working with the public. Must have at a minimum of one year of bookkeeping and office experience. Preferred criteria is one year of customer billing experience. Prefer a minimum of one year working with upset or angry customers in a public setting over the phone or in person. The employee in this position is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well after three months in the position.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Skills: Mathematical aptitude and knowledge of entry level bookkeeping procedures. Good communication and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to operate a calculator, computer, typewriter, and other related office equipment.

Problem Solving: A certain amount of problem solving exists in this position when dealing with customer concerns and complaints. Problems include explaining penalties on customer bills, tracing back payments for verification of bill payment, and communicating with customers who have had services disconnected for non-payment.

Decision Making: Decision making exists pertaining to following prescribed policies and procedures.

Accountability: Employee is responsible for daily receipts collected.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Personal Relations: Continual contact with other city departments and the public.

Working Conditions: No adverse working conditions exist in this position. Work is done in an office setting however may encounter hostile or upset customers.

Physical Requirements: The Utility Billing Account Clerk II’s physical job demands include Occasional Bend/Crouch; Occasional Carry of <5 lbs.; Occasional Foot Coordination; Constant Hand Coordination; Occasional Lift of up to 50 lbs. from Floor to Waist; Occasional Horizontal Push/Pull of up to12 lbs.; Occasional Forward Reach; Constant Sit; Occasional Stand; Frequent Walk. See Job Analysis for details.

PDC Level: Medium