What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Billing Specialist position at City of St Marys?
JOB SUMMARY
The Utility Billing Specialist position is responsible for the City’s utility billing operations regarding water, sewer, and trash collections performed in the Finance Department. This position performs the daily utility billing functions and works directly with Public Works and other Finance staff to accomplish these tasks. This position provides a key customer service role for the city, including dealing with difficult customer inquiries and problems.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Balances daily payments.
- Prepares, prints, processes, and posts utility bills.
- Creates, tracks, and reports garbage service orders and complaints.
- Process utility account adjustments as needed and reviews customer documentation of leaks and repairs.
- Discuss utility charges, consumption, and billing histories with customers.
- Tracks and reports delinquent accounts; creates payment plans as appropriate.
- Advises code compliance personnel of tampering with city property and illegal dumping.
- Proofs and corrects utility account information.
- Creates lists of utility disconnects for non-payment of services.
- Coordinates with Public Works any duties related to utility operations, such as meter maintenance, new service, and other tasks.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of city utility billing policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
- Knowledge of state laws regarding the collection of unpaid debt.
- Knowledge of utility payment structures and disconnection criteria.
- Knowledge of basic accounting procedures and guidelines.
- Skill in the training and supervision of personnel.
- Skill in resolving customer service issues.
- Skill in the analysis of customer accounts and consumption rates.
- Skill in working in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines
- Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Finance Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Utility Specialist spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include city ordinances, state collection laws, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of related specialized duties in the monthly utility billing process. The unique nature of customer complaints contributes to the complexity of the position.
- The purpose of this position is to coordinate utility billing operations. Success in this position helps ensure the efficient and effective billing and collection of utility payments.
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, business owners, customers, and members of the general public.
- Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, to motivate persons, or to resolve problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed at a desk or table or intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects and distinguishes between shades of color.
- The work is typically performed in an office.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no functional supervision over personnel within an area, department, or unit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates degree required; or
- More than two years of related experience required; or
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.