What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Clerk position at City of Bonne Terre?
Utilities Clerk Job Description
A City Utilities Clerk manages water/sewer customer accounts, handling billing, payments, new service setup, and resolving inquiries, requiring strong administrative, financial (cash handling, record-keeping), and customer service skills for public interaction, plus managing work orders and departmental records. Key duties include processing bills, balancing accounts, generating reports, and acting as a liaison for service issues, all while ensuring accurate data entry and maintaining confidentiality.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Greets customers, answers telephones, and directs calls.
2. Creates new utility accounts, sets up billing records, handles complaints and answers customer billing questions.
3. Responsible for using specialized utility billing system, including calculation of bills, preparation of pre-billing estimates, printing and mailing all utility bills, and running and distributing post-billing reports.
4. Updates meter reads, prepares list for meter readers, prepares work orders for meter readers, and dispatches Utility Department for routine and emergency repairs.
5. Checks meter readings for any apparent errors and calculates consumption. Refers unusual readings to meter readers for re-reading.
6. Maintains records of malfunctioning or broken meters and repairs made; contacts customers to explain errors and provide notification of repairs.
7. Processes paper and computer work necessary to close customer utility accounts, correct bills, generate final bills, and process customer refunds.
8. Prepares door hangers for shut off notices for delinquent accounts.
9. Maintains customer files for active and inactive customer deposit receipts.
10. Balances daily cash report with the City’s general ledger and prepares reports. Receives payments, balances cash drawers and customer payments, and writes receipts for various departments.
· Must be able to work well with the general public
· Requires good organizational skills and the ability to work independently and multitask
· Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures.
· Knowledge of electronic equipment, computer hardware and software.
· Active listening – giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
· Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in clerical, bookkeeping, or utility billing roles.
General knowledge of computers, office software (Word, Excel), and billing systems.
Excellent communication, tact, and patience for public interaction.
Work Environment
Uses standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers).
Frequent contact with the public, requiring courtesy.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person