Accounting Specialist (Utility Billing)

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Performs specialized journey-level accounting and customer service work in support of the City's utility billing program. Maintains and processes utility accounts, billing records, payments, adjustments, and related financial transactions while ensuring accurate billing, compliance with established policies and procedures, and responsive service to utility customers.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform specialized journey level accounting duties to ensure an accurate process of accounting activities on a City wide basis. The nature of the work requires that the incumbent is detail oriented and able to independently perform standard financial record keeping tasks involving utility billing. Work is performed with considerable independence according to established department or accounting procedures. The Accounting Specialist – Utility Billing reports to the Business Services Manager.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Processes the daily functions of utility billing for the City’s water, sewer, stormwater. 

Processes meter reads and utility bills accurately and timely; analyzes and reconciles bills, payments, and other transactions; opens new utility accounts, maintains current accounts and processes disconnections.

Generates, processes and reviews past due, red tags and shut off notices.

Demonstrates a high degree of knowledge of the utility billing software and billing process and ability to research and resolve utility billing issues.

Assists customers with utility account issues; analyzes water consumption; and requests meter re-reads and meter checks.

Responds to inquiries regarding billing, fees, delinquencies, disconnections, re-reads and general procedural information.

Coordinates with meter reader to maintain status of account activities and compliance issues.

Reads, interprets, applies and explains codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

May provide assistance to the public in a pleasant and courteous manner; may print reports and reconcile payments.

Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.

Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Answers phone and takes messages for Department; issues forms to the public; serves as backup to phones. Performs other tasks as assigned.

Processes refunds or adjustments as needed.

May assist with various projects as assigned by Business Services Manager, Accounting Manager & Finance Director.

SELECTION FACTORS:

(Applicants should describe their previous experience and training for each of the following selection factors. These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.)

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to assigned activities.
• Municipal administration, organization, codes and terminology.
• Basic principles and procedures of utility billing and collections, accounting, bookkeeping and statistical reporting.  
• Principles and practices of record keeping and document control.
• City operations, policies, and objectives.
• General office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Learn and develop proficiency in the operation of the city's computer network system and financial software;
• Learn new procedures, prioritize work, and meet deadlines;
• Perform mathematical computations with speed and accuracy using a 10-key adding machine or calculator by touch;
• Maintain detailed, accurate records and to print legibly;
• Greet and deal with the public in a courteous and pleasant manner;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to accurately apply established guidelines to varies situations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees in all departments, co-workers, and the public;
• Provide quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work;
• Physically perform the essential functions of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Persons applying for a position of this class should have any combination of the following experience and training.)

High school diploma or GED. Two years of progressively responsible experience in an office setting; preferably with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, or utility and other billing experience; or substituting course work or training in bookkeeping or municipal accounting for up to six months of the above experience; or any equivalent computation of experience and training.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer, including computer network system, Asset Management software and financial software; 10-key calculator; telephone; copy machine; scanner; postage machine; and bill stuffer. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal or while standing at a counter for extended periods of time. Physical exertion may be required to lift office supplies.  

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

City Paid Benefits Include:

• 3 Insurance plans to choose from as low as $0 for spouse & all dependents – Plans with deductibles as low as $200; high deductible plan includes employer sponsored contribution to Health savings account. 
• Vision & Dental Insurance with no cost sharing for employee & all dependents
• $15,000 Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• WA Department of Retirement - PERS2 or PERS3 plans
• Employee Assistance Program

Elective Benefits Include:

• WA Department of Retirement - Deferred Compensation Program
• Additional Life & Spouse Life Insurance
• Discounts on Life Flight Membership