Finance and Utility Billing Specialist

City of Crystal•Crystal, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

To perform general accounting functions with primary focus on utility billing processing and support other financial functions (payroll and accounts payable). To maintain necessary records, prepare financial and government reports, and to ensure effective processing in accordance with department policies and standard accounting practices. To provide excellent customer service and support other financial functions.

Requirements

Two years formal education.
Two years of work experience directly related to accounting or finance.
Two years customer service experience.
Two years experience with Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheet software.
Proficient data entry skills – must be able to type 30 WPM and have six months experience in 10-key operation.
Ability to actively listen to others for understanding of their needs and situations.
Ability to speak and write English clearly.
Ability to read and understand instructions and directives.
Ability to record names, facts, numbers, and information accurately.
Ability to assertively control conversations in order to quickly and accurately gather pertinent information and be able to communicate this information professionally and precisely to the proper recipient.
Ability to effectively represent the organization, department, and its operation, to the management and public.
Competency in verbal and written communications.
Must act in a decisive manner using good judgment.
Must be able to assess problems and situations, anticipate needs, and evaluate alternatives.
Must be consistent in dealing with people.
Must exclude personal biases from work performance.
Must have the ability to accept criticism and/or discipline.
Must have tact and diplomacy.
Must strive to promote a cooperative atmosphere in the department.
Must be willing to assist others and share information as needed.
Must have commitment to the organization.
Willingness to take initiative and show dependability.
Must exhibit maturity in relationships with others.
Must exhibit a willingness to be trained in functions of the job.
Must represent the organization to other agencies, staff, and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude in all telephone and personal contact.
Must be able to produce quality, accurate work as set forth in job standards/expectations.
Must be able to detect and correct errors.
Must be able to work independently and utilize work time properly and productively and handle multiple tasks confidently and with minimum error.
Must be able to creatively adjust time use and structure to accommodate a changing workload or deadline.
Ability to provide customers with accurate and timely information and telephone service.
Accurate accounting and math skills.
Working knowledge of computers using Windows operating system, as well as basic office equipment (adding machine, copiers, fax, postage meter, etc.).
Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and accounting software.
Knowledge of Data Practices Act.

Nice To Haves

Four year bachelor degree in accounting/finance/business or related field.
More than two years of experience in accounting or related field.
Experience working with SENSUS Meter Data Manager (MDM) system.
JD Edwards and/or CIS Infinity software experience.
Municipal accounting experience.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word software.

Responsibilities

Process online and electronic utility payments daily.
Assists customers with a variety of questions over the phone and in person and prepares correspondence relating to customer inquiries.
Responds to requests from other departments, realtors and title companies.
Ensures customer accounts are updated with all meter readings, payments, meter inventory changes, miscellaneous adjustments, and addresses etc. prior to generating bills to customers.
Scans utility remittance advices into accounts receiveable system, balances to payments, and posts a cash receipts batch.
Adjust misapplied payments to the appropriate account.
Applies late-payment penalties to accounts.
Processes returned (or non-sufficient funds) checks and Invoice Cloud payments.
Imports/exports routes and meter readings to/from Sensus Meter Data Manager (MDM) system.
Processes changes in property ownership, including opening and closing accounts, updating applicable records, and generating notices and final bills.
Processes refunds to customers who have closed accounts and credit balances.
Maintains records on customers who have filed for bankruptcy.
Coordinates the mailing of monthly bills with an outside vendor.
Reviews month-end edit reports and follows up on questionable meter readings and shut-offs with utility division.
Maintains meter replacement and repair history.
Responsible for updating and testing system rate changes and updated versions of utility billing software.
Prepares journal entries to record city utility charges.
Prepares an annual assessment roll for delinquent utility accounts, generates certification letters to customers, and certifies delinquent accounts to the county for collection.
Acts as a backup to other personnel in the department and is expected to be cross-trained in their duties and responsibilities (payroll and accounts payable) including processing payroll and accounts payable periodically to remain fully cross-trained.
Prepares financial reports and develops and maintains spreadsheets, as necessary.
Prepares reports for the Joint Water Commission.
Assists with annual audit.
Assists with election activities.
Documents and periodically updates department procedures.
Maintain accounting records and assists with archiving of department records in accordance with the Data Practices Act.
Performs other duties as assigned.