Principal Account Clerk

The Metropolitan District Commission•Hartford, CT

41d

About The Position

This is highly responsible financial and administrative position involving the processing and review of complex financial transactions, reconciling accounts, analyzing billing and collections data, monitoring vendor and customer account activity, and performing system-based financial tasks. This position requires analytical thinking and the ability to communicate effectively with internal departments and external stakeholders. Position is being filled in the Treasury/Collections group and will be interacting with he District's water and sewer customers on a daily basis. Prior experience in accounts receivable/collections or in a customer service call center preferred. Must be comfortable with discussing past due balances, proficient in conflict resolution and possess strong negotiating skills.

Requirements

Associates degree from a recognized college or university, plus four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting, customer service, accounts payable, and/or related clerical experience, preferably in the utility industry, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the requisite experience.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Knowledge of account clerical procedures and techniques.
Knowledge of MDC billing processes and financial systems.
Knowledge of general office and recordkeeping procedures.
Knowledge of the operations of standard office machines and a computer terminal and personal computer.
Knowledge of business English.
Skill in mathematical computation.
Skill in keyboard operation including a computer terminal and typewriter.
Ability in oral communications and good ability in written communications.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform administrative procedures.
Ability to learn the operations of the assigned department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, customers and the general public.
Ability to research and resolve accounts payable issues with customers and vendors.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in accounts receivable/collections or in a customer service call center preferred.
Must be comfortable with discussing past due balances, proficient in conflict resolution and possess strong negotiating skills.

Responsibilities

Reviews, prepares, and processes financial transactions related to vendor payments and customer refunds.
Audits, invoices, purchase orders, payment requests, and utility billing data to ensure accuracy and compliance with established policies.
Enters and maintains financial data in SAP, including transaction postings, account adjustments, payment applications, and billing corrections.
Performs account reconciliations involving vendor ledgers, customer accounts, and general ledger balances.
Coordinates with internal departments (Customer Service, Field Operations, Engineering, Procurement and Finance) to resolve billing disputes, consumption anomalies, or payment discrepancies.
Reviews aging reports and follows up on outstanding receivables; initiates payment plans or escalates for further action.
Maintains accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
Participates in process improvements, policy updates, and financial system upgrades or testing efforts. Identifies opportunities to streamline billing, payment, and reconciliation processes. Participates in cross-functional meetings to improve coordination between various departments.
Assists customers, vendors and others with billing, invoice and payment inquiries. Handles difficult inquiries requiring in-depth knowledge of the activity, operations and recordkeeping system.
Performs related work as required.