Description Under the direction of the Controller, performs a variety of accounting duties and accounts receivable functions. This is a centralized City function, which serves, supports, and enables other City operations, and regularly works with the public. Job Description/ Essential Duties: These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.
- Serves the primary customer service for utility customers, in person and by phone on their utility accounts and directs customers to appropriate departments;
- Receipt, post, deposit and reconcile deposit payments from customers daily;
- Research and resolve payment discrepancies;
- Processes Credit Card Payments at the counter;
- Provide specific and general balance and payment information and assistance to customers, staff and the public;
- Performs a variety of accounting reconciliations;
- Prepare, print, and mail monthly utility bills, for all customers;
- Establish, verify changes, and maintain customer accounts;
- Calculate and input rate changes, route changes, charges, and credits;
- Download monthly meter readings used to calculate current utility statements;
- Upload current water utility route information for meter readers;
- Calculate and process final statements when properties sell;
- Generate and mail delinquency notices to water/wastewater customers;
- Prepare shut off notice list for review;
- Coordinate service terminations with Public Works Department;
- Coordinate final readings on sale of property with realtor, owner, Title Company, and utility maintenance and operations Calculate and process final statements. Record account transfer data; Work with delinquent customers to negotiate and maintain payment contracts; ensure appropriate fees are collected before service is reestablished;
- Handle customer complaints, maintaining a composed and courteous manner;
- Utilize relevant information (geo code, physical address, property owner name, contractor name, meter size, commercial or single/multi family structure) acquired from the Planning and or Public Works Department to create new utility accounts;
- Unlike typical technical positions, this position must learn and become highly functional in several major additional software systems including, but not limited to, the General Ledger, Receipts and Revenue, Business Licenses, Accounts Payable and Claims, Utility Customer Service and other customer data / accounts receivable systems;
- This position provides backup for licensing, accounts payable, claims processing, and other customer service areas of the City as needed.
RequirementsMinimum Required Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):
- High school Diploma or GED; and
- At least two years' work experience in a computerized office environment, including: frequent interpersonal contacts in the performance of duties; interoffice and public communications; training and experience in spreadsheets, word processing, and databases; or
- Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Successful experience working in local government.
Special Requirements/Licenses or Certificates:
- Must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to obtain a Montana driver's license within 60 days of employment.
- Licensed Notary or have the ability to become a Notary within six (6) months of employment.
- Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a pre-employment background check, reference checks, and driving record check.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position: The successful candidate will possess:
- Knowledge of, and general understanding of, local government operations;
- Some knowledge of federal and state laws related to accounts payable;
- Ability to multi-task and organize work to meet deadlines under pressure;
- Ability to create and maintain respectful and positive working relationships with city staff and the public;
- Advanced ability and skill to operate office equipment (including fax machine, copier, scanner, computer, etc.);
- Advanced ability and skill to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications and databases appropriate to assigned tasks;
- Ability to follow City Policies and Procedures and office procedures;
- Skill and accuracy in operating a 10-key by touch;
- Skill and ability in maintaining high productivity and self-motivation;
- Skill in time management and organizational skills;
- Decision making and problem-solving skills;
- Strong Interpersonal skills and customer service skills;
- Skill with working with administrative data collection, reporting and record keeping;
- Analytical, mathematical, and accounting skills;
- Ability to deal effectively with difficult, angry customers;
- Maintain discretion and integrity when handling information, which is sensitive to disclosure;
- Must be able to concentrate and perform effectively under pressure. This position is frequently involved in time-consuming tasks with various time constraints;
- Short deadlines and unanticipated priorities may occur;
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted during work;
- Perform multi-tasks accurately and efficiently with frequent interruption.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations ranging from simple to sometimes complex.
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Word) and the ability to learn and utilize various software and databases.
- Ability to operate computer systems effectively.
- Ability to write and present clear and concise administrative reports.
- Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations as they relate to the position.
- Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.