Accounting Technician - Utilities

Do you thrive in an environment that is geared towards outstanding hospitality? Do you have a passion for being innovative and creative? Is hard work on your top list of ideals? Are you a steward of your working environment? Then read on…

The Villages Community Development Districts (The District) tops the list of community development districts that continue to grow in one of the most scenic locations in Florida, The Villages. Our collective commitment to hospitality, innovation & creativity, hard work, and stewardship help employees thrive and excel in many fields within The District. An immediate full-time opportunity exists for an individual with commitment, a “passion” for excellence, and a “drive” for accuracy to join our Customer Service team. This position requires a solid background of advanced supervisory and customer service skills, used daily. The incumbent will enjoy a challenging atmosphere and be part of a productive team that supports the District and the surrounding community. The District is looking for an individual with a desire to utilize their cutting-edge skills. The District provides a supportive and engaging workplace that is committed to developing great talent, coupled with competitive compensation and benefits. Do not pass up this opportunity to be a part of a positive, expanding organization.

Competitive Benefits as a full-time employee of the District include:

• Medical Insurance (fully paid for employee single coverage)
• Voluntary health benefits, including Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(a) Retirement Plan, with contributions funded by the District 
• 457(b) Retirement Plan, permitting employee pre-tax deferrals
• Flexible Spending programs for both Medical and Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible
• Tier 2 qualifying organization for The Villages Charter School

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing multiple duties related to the receipt and posting of utility, amenity, and other payments to the appropriate utility account. Incumbent may be assigned other customer service duties as necessary, including, but not limited to data entry, preparation of customer letters, customer contact via phone, preparation of deposit tickets, machine or hand stamping of check endorsements and preparing and boxing records storage. Assist with clerical duties related to the entry and processing of customer account information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Includes, but not limited to) 

• Accepts customer payments in the form of third-party, banking, cash, check, debit, and credit cards.
• Enters payments using the utility billing-based software to update each customer’s account.
• Maintains excellent public relations through communications with public, Customer Service team and other departments and agencies. Ability to work effectively and productively with others.
• Uses the utility billing software to research discrepancies as necessary.
• Endorses the checks either by use of endorsing machine or hand stamp, making sure the correct depository account is entered.
• Prepares daily deposits within the prescribed daily deadlines.
• Scans checks into banking system by batch. Verifies batch deposit total to detail. Creates adding machine tape as necessary for proof.
• Places the batched stubs into the proper storage box and place the deposits in the proper location for verification and further processing by the accounts receivable staff.
• Maintain a log of any cash discrepancies and report any differences to UB Accountant.
• Verifies cash receipts received by Customer Service and Utility Billing and verify the totals against the departments’ daily reports.
• Contacts customers to resolve issues such as check amounts not in agreement, missing signatures, missing amounts, and postdated checks.
• Disposes of hard copy checks by placing in shredding containers after requisite holding period prescribed by supervisor.
• Processes return payments.
• Organizes and prepares documents for scanning contained in the daily closing reports.
• Audit and reconcile any differences in the daily closing report. Provides written explanation of discrepancy to accountants for review.
• Assist with month-end reconciliations of refunds.
• Assists other Customer Service areas (Utilities) with basic clerical work as needed.

Additional           

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be expected to perform additional duties in an emergency. 

ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR (Includes, but not limited to) 

• Models’ behavior always reflecting the Core Values of the District, which includes Hospitality, Innovation & Creativity, Stewardship, and Hard Work.
• Provides exceptional customer service while performing all aspects of the position.
• Cultivates and maintains effective working relations within the department, the District, elected board members, residents, vendors, other government entity representatives, and all contacts outside the organization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in accounting and/or a closely related field preferred.
• Proficient personal computer skills and basic proficiency level in knowledge of Microsoft package involving Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and professional appearance.
• Successful completion of background check and drug screening.
• Ability to be well-organized & successfully multi-task in a fast-paced environment to meet multiple demanding deadlines.

MINIMUM CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Valid Florida Driver’s License required.
• All candidates and employees must successfully pass background screening. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge

• General knowledge of functions related to Accounting and Payment Processing. 

Skills

• Proven intermediate to advanced proficiency level in Microsoft Office involving Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Visio, Publisher, and Power Point.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to providing optimal customer service.
• Ability to proof payment transactions and identify errors and provide suggested corrections. 

Abilities

• Ability to be well-organized & successfully multi-task in a fast-paced environment to meet multiple demanding deadlines.
• Ability to meet required standards of excellent customer service for both internal and external customers.
• Ability to meet required standards of written and verbal communication skills and professional appearance.

EQUIPMENT

Position requires the use of telephones, personal computers and productivity software, document imaging scanners, copier, and other office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

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.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be exposed to the following:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• There are frequent interruptions from the staff and the public for information or assistance.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the following applies:

• Regularly required to stand; walk, push/pull; handling/fingering; reach forward; reach overhead; kneeling; stooping; twisting; squatting; sitting; balancing.
• The employee must frequently lift and or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.