Billing Specialist

Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission•Lexington, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Billing Specialist performs account and billing operations, a variety of routine clerical, and financial related duties with a high level of accuracy. This role requires exercising judgment in applying established office practices and procedures, and dealing effectively and professionally with customers on a variety of issues. The position involves monthly processing of water and sewer billing cycles, including meter read verification and invoice distribution, as well as routine clerical and data processing work in the billing and collection of utility accounts. The specialist will also perform various system analysis duties using automated meter reading systems and other customer service databases and systems, and prepare, review, process, and submit monthly reports necessary for the billing function. Communication with customers and the public regarding account information, handling telephone calls, and operating standard office equipment are key aspects of this role. The position also includes processing customer transactions, handling inquiries and complaints, performing general administrative/clerical work, and interacting with various individuals and groups. The Billing Specialist will also serve as a backup Customer Service Representative.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a customer service or billing environment
Knowledge of utility system accounting and billing principles and practices
Ability to follow oral and written direction
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with customers, vendors and other employees
Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully and persuasively, orally and in writing, to individuals and groups
Professional demeanor and good communication skills with the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrates strong organizational skills (record keeping, time management, follow up, etc.)
Excellent attention to detail and sense of urgency, ability to prioritize with an emphasis on quality and accuracy of work and ability to multi-task, prioritize and deal with interruptions while meeting timely deadlines

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor’s degree
Greater than two (2) years’ experience in a customer service or billing role
Experience in Customer Service or Account Management
Experience with Metabase and/or SQL Reports

Responsibilities

Performs monthly processing of water and sewer billing cycles, including meter read verification, and invoice distribution.
Performs routine clerical and data processing work in the billing and collection of utility accounts.
Performs various system analysis duties using the automated meter reading systems and other customer service databases and systems.
Prepares, reviews, processes, and submits a variety of monthly reports necessary for billing function.
Prepare and review Metabase Reports necessary for billing and meter read collection.
Communicates professionally and effectively with customers and public on information concerning accounts.
Answers telephone, screens and forwards calls, as appropriate. Assists callers regarding billing system issues.
Operates and cares for standard office equipment and machines including computers, printers, and associated billing hardware, and other office equipment.
Handles inbound customer calls using specific greetings, technical skills, and soft skills to achieve organizational goals for quality and level of service to the customer; calls are randomly monitored and evaluated for performance and quality assurance based on specific criteria including soft skills, knowledge of job, professionalism, courtesy, effective listening, tone of voice, accuracy, interpersonal skills, and problem resolution skills.
Processes various customer transactions to establish service, terminate service, collect deposits, and update customer account information. Determines availability of service at specific locations and identifies related accounts such as irrigation meters and fire protection accounts. Responsible for on-going maintenance of customer account information to ensure data base is accurate and up-to-date.
Receives and handles customer inquiries and complaints related to elevated bills; researches customer accounts and provides a timely, courteous, and professional response to customers.
Performs general administrative/clerical work as required, including but not limited to, typing forms, records and reports; data entry; copying and filing documents; communicating with field personnel; compiling information for specific work orders/projects as requested, faxing/mailing information, etc.
Communicates and interacts with various individuals and groups such as customers, managers, attorneys, local agencies, other departmental personnel, local builders and property managers, other water districts, etc.
Serves as backup Customer Service Representative.
Performs related tasks as required.