Finance Support Specialist

TOWN OF NEDERLAND
Finance Support Specialist Position Description

Department: Finance

FLSA: Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt

Pay: $24.00 – $29.00/hour

Nature of Work

The Finance Support Specialist provides technical, financial, customer service, and administrative support through the oversight and completion of commercial/residential water and wastewater billing. This position also supports a variety of municipal financial operations, including bi-weekly and monthly payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial recordkeeping, and other finance-related functions. This position requires a high level of customer service skills, including responding to billing and water usage questions and resolving complaints, and providing financial and administrative support to Town staff and departments.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Town Treasurer. This position also receives direction, training, and/or supervision from the Utilities Manager and Senior HR/Finance Administrator.

Supervision Exercised

Essential Duties

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Utility Billing

• Responsible for the full process of monthly commercial and quarterly residential utility billing, including maintaining proper documentation. Manages and applies incoming payments; makes periodic bank deposits.
• Uses utility billing software to update accounts, handle tenant/landlord changeover, manage property sales, etc.
• Serves as first point of contact for all customer questions and complaints related to utility billing, water usage, and meters. Responds in a timely, helpful, and professional manner, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Sends monthly late notices and periodic shut off notices, ensuring accounts do not become seriously delinquent.
• Monitors meter reports for leaks and loss of connection to meters. Reports leaks, associates meters, determines meters that require repairs, and assists with meter documentation and communications.
• Coordinates with Utilities staff to schedule meter appointments, voluntary water shutoffs, and other appointments as needed.
• Manages the Town’s backflow program and tracks devices, mailing reminder and enforcement letters when necessary.
• Develops the Town’s water loss control program and tracks water/wastewater treated as it compares to water/sewer billed.
• Coordinates new service connections documenting tap and Plant Investment fees, collecting payment, and tracking information related to new service connections.
• Creates and updates Standard Operating Procedures for managing the water billing system, as needed.

Payroll Processing and Finance Support

• Processes bi-weekly and monthly payroll for Town staff and paid elected officials.
• Reviews timecards on ADP for accuracy and adherence to Town policy, contacting employees and department heads regarding errors.
• Maintains accurate employee and payroll records in written and electronic format.
• Inputs payroll data into accounting software.
• Supports accounts payable by reconciling monthly credit card and vendor statements, verifying appropriate general ledger coding, entering/posting invoices in accounting software, and maintaining supporting documentation.

Other Duties

• Performs related work and projects as assigned and may be involved in special projects that are unrelated to primary and essential job functions.
• Provides back-up support to Accounts Payable when necessary. This includes processing invoices, printing checks, and communicating with vendors.
• Manages a limited amount of time and prioritizes a large volume of work to ensure all essential duties are completed correctly and on time.
• Continues educational requirements as necessary to remain technically skilled and cognizant of current methods and procedures.
• Performs work assignments in a safe manner, encourages others to use safe work practices, and maintains a work environment that is conducive to safe work practices and standards. Reports any accidents, unsafe conditions, or concerns to management.
• Attends and participates in all required training and meetings.
• Assists with supporting the front desk walk-ins and phone calls at Town Hall, as needed.
• On rare occasions, this position may be required to work on holidays, evenings, or weekends.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of computer software applications including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, accounting and utilities software, and networked computer functions, including phone systems, internet, e-mail, and social media sites.
• Knowledge of and experience in use of spreadsheets, databases, and word processing to write business communications and track internal information.
• Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as managing files and records, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
• Knowledge of billing management and accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures for data management in timekeeping and payroll applications.
• Skilled in record-keeping and professional, contemporary office practices and equipment. Skill with 10-key entry a plus.
• Skilled in producing high quality and detailed work despite frequent interruptions.
• Ability to learn and become an expert in dedicated water/sewer billing, accounting software, human resource information system and payroll applications.
• Ability to develop an understanding of water and wastewater system operations and how it relates to utility billing, meter reading, backflow prevention, pretreatment, and water loss.
• Ability to perform a variety of administrative, clerical, and data entry functions with strong organizational and technical skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle matters of a sensitive nature.
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to be service-oriented and resolve public questions or concerns in a timely manner while demonstrating professionalism, interpersonal skills, and independent judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to be reliable and consistently follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

Education, Experience, and Formal Training

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least two (2) years of work experience in billing, payroll, bookkeeping, accounting support, and/or office administration. A combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted at the Town’s discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An associate degree or two (2) years of college-level educational experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with accounting or finance experience, as well as demonstrated customer service skills.
• Knowledge of Nederland and surrounding areas will also be considered.

Benefits & Pay

1) This is a full-time position, starting between $24 - $29/hour, based on experience.
2) Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance (includes a medical plan option through Kaiser Permanente that is 100% free for the employee)
3) Employer-sponsored 457(b) retirement plan, up to 5% employer match
4) Generous paid time off package, including 176 hours of PTO/year in addition to 14 paid holidays.
5) Free pass to Nederland Community Center gym
6) Free EcoPass (RTD bus pass)
7) Free access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
8) Free short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to employee
9) Life insurance policy ($50,000)
10) Optional Healthcare Flexible Spending Account program

Working Environment

Generally sedentary at a desk, exerting up to 10 pounds to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. May require moderate lifting of 15 – 45 pounds under some circumstances. Other duties include filing, resulting in reaching, bending, and standing. Extensive typing and data entry requires use of fingers and wrists and sitting for long periods of time in close proximity to a computer screen. Job requires reading, writing, keyboarding, hearing, verbal communication, and visually observing situations. Environmental factors include working closely with others in a closed office setting, working with office machinery and software (utility billing and payroll software, computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers, phones), and exposure to noise. Exposure to a variety of weather conditions and temperatures, as well as slippery/uneven surfaces. Job requires working alone and as a member of a team. Some overtime work may be occasionally required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $29.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $29