Utilities & Finance Specialist

City of Salida • Salida, CO

8d • $30 - $36

About The Position

The Utilities & Finance Specialist performs utility billing, payroll, customer service, and administrative functions in support of the City’s utility and financial operations. The position administers the utility billing program, processes payroll, maintains utility and financial records, assists customers with utility accounts and billing inquiries, and provides administrative support for water and wastewater utility operations. The role also supports accounts payable and receivable, budget and audit activities, cashiering, and other finance and administrative functions. It serves as the primary backup for the City Hall front desk and helps maintain continuity of customer service. The position works under the general direction of the Finance Director and collaborates with City departments, customers, vendors, contractors, financial institutions, auditors, governmental agencies, and the public. It may provide support in the Finance Director’s absence.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in a clerical, accounting, or bookkeeping position that includes billing responsibilities.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, governmental accounting practices, payroll administration, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of utility billing processes, customer account management, and revenue collection practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply the Utilities Chapter of the Salida Municipal Code, City policies, and applicable regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with accounting, payroll, and utility billing software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including researching issues, reconciling accounts, and preparing accurate financial reports.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and adapt to changing priorities and technology.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic correspondence; regularly operate standard office equipment; and intermittently lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred.
• Accounting, utility billing, and payroll administration experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Administer utility billing, including account setup and maintenance, billing generation, meter data integration, customer account management, and final billing.
• Coordinate with Public Works, developers, property owners, and external agencies on meter readings, service changes, utility applications, tap permits, and sewer billing.
• Maintain customer records, billing classifications, and account information in accordance with City ordinances, resolutions, and the Salida Municipal Code.
• Research and resolve customer billing inquiries; process authorized billing adjustments, payments, ACH files, auto-pay accounts, liens, and related account activities.
• Analyze utility usage, billing, and revenue data; prepare receivable calculations, audit schedules, financial reports, required utility reports, and surveys.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, records retention requirements, and Municipal Code provisions.
• Process bi-weekly payroll using ADP Workforce Now, including timekeeping uploads, payroll validation, deductions, tax withholdings, retirement contributions, and general ledger interface entries.
• Reconcile payroll reports, comply with payroll tax and reporting requirements, and respond to employee payroll and benefit inquiries.
• Perform utility account reconciliations and journal entries, and support accounts payable, accounts receivable, and audit activities.
• Verify and approve departmental financial transactions; monitor outstanding checks and escheatment requirements; maintain accurate general ledger coding and records.
• Identify process improvements, review financial transactions for adherence to procedures, and support citywide internal control initiatives.
• Provide customer service to utility customers and the public, including assistance with online payment systems and account inquiries.
• Serve as the primary backup to the City Hall front desk, assisting walk-in customers and telephone callers.
• Maintain departmental records and provide backup support for front desk operations, cashiering, daily deposits, and other finance or administrative functions.
• Collaborate with Finance, Public Works, and other City departments; participate in cross-training; and perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(a) and 457 retirement plan options with employer contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Life insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Complimentary swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center.
• Additional benefits may be available in accordance with City policies and plan provisions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed