Accounting Specialist - Utility Billing

City of Pullman•Pullman, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs specialized journey-level accounting and customer service work in support of the City's utility billing program. Maintains and processes utility accounts, billing records, payments, adjustments, and related financial transactions while ensuring accurate billing, compliance with established policies and procedures, and responsive service to utility customers. The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform specialized journey level accounting duties to ensure an accurate process of accounting activities on a City wide basis. The nature of the work requires that the incumbent is detail oriented and able to independently perform standard financial record keeping tasks involving utility billing. Work is performed with considerable independence according to established department or accounting procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to assigned activities.
Knowledge of municipal administration, organization, codes and terminology.
Knowledge of basic principles and procedures of utility billing and collections, accounting, bookkeeping and statistical reporting.
Knowledge of principles and practices of record keeping and document control.
Knowledge of City operations, policies, and objectives.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Ability to learn and develop proficiency in the operation of the city's computer network system and financial software.
Ability to learn new procedures, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
Ability to perform mathematical computations with speed and accuracy using a 10-key adding machine or calculator by touch.
Ability to maintain detailed, accurate records and to print legibly.
Ability to greet and deal with the public in a courteous and pleasant manner.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to accurately apply established guidelines to varies situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees in all departments, co-workers, and the public.
Ability to provide quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work.
Ability to physically perform the essential functions of the job.
High school diploma or GED.
Two years of progressively responsible experience in an office setting; preferably with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, or utility and other billing experience; or substituting course work or training in bookkeeping or municipal accounting for up to six months of the above experience; or any equivalent computation of experience and training.

Nice To Haves

Preferably with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, or utility and other billing experience

Responsibilities

Processes the daily functions of utility billing for the City’s water, sewer, stormwater.
Processes meter reads and utility bills accurately and timely; analyzes and reconciles bills, payments, and other transactions; opens new utility accounts, maintains current accounts and processes disconnections.
Generates, processes and reviews past due, red tags and shut off notices.
Demonstrates a high degree of knowledge of the utility billing software and billing process and ability to research and resolve utility billing issues.
Assists customers with utility account issues; analyzes water consumption; and requests meter re-reads and meter checks.
Responds to inquiries regarding billing, fees, delinquencies, disconnections, re-reads and general procedural information.
Coordinates with meter reader to maintain status of account activities and compliance issues.
Reads, interprets, applies and explains codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
May provide assistance to the public in a pleasant and courteous manner; may print reports and reconcile payments.
Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.
Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.
Answers phone and takes messages for Department; issues forms to the public; serves as backup to phones.
Processes refunds or adjustments as needed.
May assist with various projects as assigned by Business Services Manager, Accounting Manager & Finance Director.

Benefits

3 Insurance plans to choose from as low as $0 for spouse & all dependents
Plans with deductibles as low as $200
High deductible plan includes employer sponsored contribution to Health savings account.
Vision & Dental Insurance with no cost sharing for employee & all dependents
$15,000 Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
Short Term Disability Insurance
WA Department of Retirement - PERS2 or PERS3 plans
Employee Assistance Program
WA Department of Retirement - Deferred Compensation Program
Additional Life & Spouse Life Insurance
Discounts on Life Flight Membership