Salary : $43,544.12 - $69,670.58 Annually Location : Fuquay-Varina, NC Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 202400076 Department: Finance Division: Utility Billing Opening Date: 10/21/2024 Closing Date: 11/1/2024 5:00 PM Eastern Working Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Pay Grade: 10 Job Overview This position performs responsible administrative support and fiscal work in support of the utility customer service and customer accounts functions and other customer services. An employee in this class is responsible for providing reception, customer service, administrative support, and accounts receivable work. Work involves providing information on service inquiries, requests for services, and problem matters with utilities and public services. Work includes processing initial information for providing services; researching and providing information on customer accounts, bills, and usage; and assuring that feedback is given to the customer in a timely and professional manner. Work involves heavy public contact functions and coordination with field and other staff and departments within the Town's organizational structure. Significant tact and diplomacy in working with customers are required in the work. Work includes contacts in person and by telephone and follows established policies and procedures. Unusual or difficult situations are referred to higher levels. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, review of records and reports, and feedback from customers served. Essential Duties and Tasks
- Collects and processes revenue from utility customers and other Town revenue sources on a daily basis; works with customers in person, by phone and takes and enters payments by mail and drop box.
- Reconciles daily cash receipts.
- Meets with customers to set up new accounts or make changes; takes deposits; processes customer requests and generates work orders for new services, and disconnections; makes payment agreements with customers following established policy.
- Answers inquiries and questions in person and by phone about services, due dates, accounts, bills, payments, extensions, and other areas for customers.
- Enters customer information into the database and prints out service work orders; assists customers with updating information in their files such as telephone number, addresses, name changes, and other identifying information.
- Handles a variety of customer problems and complaints and follows established procedures for handling and resolving.
- Checks on work orders, research problems with accounts, and calls customers back on results and status.
- Negotiates payment terms and establishes payment plans with customers; involves higher authorities when necessary.
- Assists field staff with information needs and various administrative tasks in person, by phone.
- Operates a variety of office technology and equipment.
- Cross trains with and backs up other department staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of the Town's utility customer service policies, procedures, and processes of the Town in handling customer services issues and concerns.
- Knowledge of the Town services available and the deposits, fees, and processes required.
- Working knowledge of standard operating practices involved in modern office operation and serving the public.
- Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work and application to collections and account maintenance.
- Working knowledge and understanding of the various utility and water rates and schedules.
- Some knowledge of paraprofessional accounting principles and practices.
- Some knowledge of AMR technology and meter operations.
- Skilled in collaborative conflict resolution and customer service excellence.
- Ability to explain rules and regulations concerning applications and charges for utilities and water services.
- Ability to process and complete necessary records, reports, and other paperwork to provide quick and efficient customer services.
- Ability to deal with customers with tact and courtesy and maintain control in sensitive and difficult situations.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
- Ability to operate a calculator, computer terminal, and related office equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
- Ability to perform data entry with required speed and accuracy.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
- Ability to manage a high volume of phone calls and customers and balance competing priorities while maintaining tact and courtesy.
RequirementsPhysical Requirements
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, reaching, standing, lifting, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
- Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data and statistics, work with accounting processes, operate a computer terminal, and make visual inspections.
Education and Experience
- Graduation from high school and some experience in customer service work and work using office technology, preferably in a public utility or collections; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Information
- The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.
The Town of Fuquay-Varina aims to be a dash-more! Below is the comprehensive benefits package for all regular, full-time employees:
- Employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Employer-paid Employee Life Insurance
- Participation in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
- Five percent (5%) employer contribution to the NC 401(k)
- Optional 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Leave
- Bereavement Leave (40 hours)
- Shared Leave
- Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
- Paid Eldercare Leave (120 hours)
- Dash-More Time (32 hours)
- Membership with Local Government Federal Credit Union
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Longevity Pay
- Christmas Bonus
- On-site gym (Town Hall and Community Center)
- Optional Supplemental Term Life Insurance
- Optional STD, Accident, Cancer, Medical Bridge, Critical Illness, & Whole Life Insurance
- Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)
01 What is your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
02 How many years of customer service do you have?
- None
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5+ years
03 Please describe your customer service experience below. If none, please write N/A. 04 Do you have experience using the following:
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Teams
- Cityworks
- All the above
Required Question