What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Billing Specialist position at City of Live Oak?
Utility Billing Specialist
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Director of Finance and Administration, this position performs a variety of customer service functions, including accurately billing and collecting payments for residential and commercial water, sewer, and trash services; issuing receipts; balancing and reconciling cash drawer; maintaining and updating account information; processing new services and termination of services; and resolving customer complaints.
Job Responsibilities:
Essential Functions: - Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Answers, screens, and routes phone calls; provides front counter assistance; greets and directs walk-in customers; provides general utility service-related information to customers and addresses concerns and complaints; and explains policies and procedures in assigned area.
- Assists with the rental process for City park facilities; taking rental requests; receiving payment for the rentals and submitting requests for deposit refunds; updates and maintains a spreadsheet of payments; maintains a calendar of rentals and log of Club House key check-out and check-in.
- Collects customer payments for a variety of City services to include utilities, vehicle registration, pet licenses, and facility rentals; creates service orders as needed; balances and reconciles cash drawer; and maintains accurate records.
- Prepares and disseminates service termination notifications due to non-payment; places calls to customers who have not paid after mail notifications have been sent; updates accounts with late fees and related notes; creates service shut-off orders; and sets up new services for commercial and residential accounts.
- Loads information from specific utility service zones into appropriate software system; prints meter registers and reviews list for abnormal or missing readings; issues re-reads for accounts as needed and updates information; prepares and disseminates utility bills.
- Adjusts errors in meter reads and fees; waives late fees and turn-off fees as appropriate; updates customer account information; and creates and prints a variety of reports.
- Works in cooperation with Public Works Administration to assist water and/or solid waste customers with various issues such as leaks, missing water/recycling pickups, etc; assists customers with utility accounts, including payments plans, name changes, and related adjustments.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Job Requirements:
Knowledge of –
- Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
- Utility billing and water meter reading procedures.
- Cash handling practices and procedures.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations.
- Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records.
- General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment.
Skill in –
- Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
- Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
- Organizing work and setting priorities to meet deadlines.
- Effectively leading, supervising, training and developing assigned staff.
- Preparing accurate reports and statements.
- Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships.
- Operating a computer and related software.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED equivalent and one (1) year of customer service and cash handling experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
None.
Work is performed in a standard office environment. Operates standard office equipment such as personal computer and related software, fax machine, and copy machine.
Starting Salary:
$43,141 - $46,458 or DOQ (depending on qualifications). Annual Step increase after successful six month probation.
Benefits:
Education Assistance, Health, Dental (DHMO Plan) and Basic Life, LTD & AD&D paid at 100% for employee along with 45% dependent coverage. Voluntary plans Vision, Additional Life/AD&D, STD and FSA. Retirement Plan - Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) the City matches two to one. An employee becomes vested with the City at five years unless eligible for prior year service credit.
Closing Date:
Until filled
The City of Live Oak is an equal-opportunity employer.
Salary : $43,141 - $46,458