UTILITY CLERK

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:  This is a moderately complex technical bookkeeping position requiring knowledge of maintaining utility customer account files and strong cash handling skills.  Greet and receive payments from the general public.   

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to Utility Billing Manager.
• This is a non-supervisory position.
• Has regular contact with other employees and the general public; may have contact with a variety of other city organizations, vendors, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: This is a description of the way this job is currently performed; there is potential for accommodation.

• Greets the public in person or via telephone, responding to utility billing and general City questions and requests and referring complex issues to the appropriate person;
• Work as a cashier receiving utility payments, balancing cash drawer daily. Balances and posts daily receipts for accounts receivable and prepares daily bank deposits; reconciles deposits with computer printout; prepares adjustment entries for accounts;
• Process and maintain changes in customer names, addresses, account status or meter locations from work orders; makes manual corrections in master listings and codes changes for computer; checks change listing for accuracy prior to file update; makes corrections; checks updated master listings against manual entries;
• Checks error messages to detect abnormal metering information; compares past consumption patterns and other known conditions to determine need for rereading or investigation; orders rereading or service department investigation where indicated; makes necessary corrections for billing;
• Setup new residential and commercial utility accounts and airport hangar rentals;
• Prepare second notices of past due accounts and prepare cut-off list for service department;
• Provides meter location information by street address, physical location and meter route book; assists in maintaining route and meter maps and sets up new accounts and reading routes;
• Researches and compiles account histories of consumption patterns, past service calls, and similar information to assist in resolving disputed billing or service maintenance inquiries;
• Assist with bad debt accounts in researching and locating customers before bad debt accounts are sent to collection agency;
• Assist with routine reporting for open records requests, trash service and requests from management;
• Prepares payment imports and bank drafts for customer payments received electronically; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment
• Standard clerical techniques.
• Standards and methods of customer account maintenance.
• Basic bookkeeping and billing practices.
• Effect of seasonal weather and activity variations on utility consumption.
• Cash handling and reconciling a cash drawer accurately on a daily basis.

Ability to:

• Make varied arithmetic computations and tabulations rapidly and accurately.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
• Understand and carry out moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Operate a computer and the ability to develop such skill in a reasonable period of time and operate a 10-key calculator/adding machine.
• Use personal computers and Microsoft software (Excel, Word)
• Maintain accurate records.
• Detect and analyze indicated metering abnormalities in relation to past consumption patterns, seasonal variations, and other pertinent factors, and to draw reasonable conclusions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school diploma or GED
• Previous training on computer, 10-key (touch), telephone systems, and other general office equipment.
• 1 year experience in customer service and/or cash handling.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED:

• May be required to be bondable and/or hold or obtain certification as a Notary Public.
• Bilingual a plus.

Salary : $19 - $23