Utility Billing Account Specialist

City of Bozeman, MT•Bozeman, MT

49d

About The Position

The City of Bozeman is seeking a detail-oriented Utilities Billing Account Specialist to assist utility customers with billing, payment processing, and account management. This role involves handling customer inquiries, accepting and processing payments, and performing various technical accounting and administrative duties. The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to serve the Bozeman community while ensuring accurate and efficient utility billing operations. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by joining the City of Bozeman! You will be part of a passionate team driving positive change while enjoying a fantastic benefits package. Full-time City of Bozeman employees receive top-tier benefits including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 holidays, 8 weeks of paid paternal leave, bilingual pay, excellent retirement options, comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, discounted ski tickets and gym memberships, and much more!

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; and
Some (1-3 years) experience in customer service and accounts receivable, bookkeeping, or database management; some knowledge of government accounting is preferred; or
Any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Thorough knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Thorough knowledge of word processing, database management, and spreadsheets
Thorough knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Federal, State, and City statutes and ordinances
Thorough knowledge of financial office procedures and practices
Substantial knowledge of the functions of a local government
Substantial knowledge of accounts receivable processes
Ability to interpret accounting reports and records, and to analyze accounting data for control and reporting purposes
Ability to utilize specialized accounting software programs
Ability to make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately in a timely manner
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences or proposed actions and implement recommendations accordingly
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, including ones who are angry or disagreeable
Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions
Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks
Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology
Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks
Ability to enter at least 100 SPM on the 10 Key is required
Offers for employment are conditional upon satisfactory response to a criminal background check, credit check, and thorough reference checks.

Responsibilities

Assists utility customers with routine and complex account, billing, and payment needs in person, by telephone, and online
Accepts customer payments by check, cash, or credit card, sets up bank drafts and recurring credit card payments as requested by customers
Researches, analyzes, and resolves customer questions or issues
Provides customers with clarifying information regarding City policies and programs established by the City Commission
Manages and troubleshoots multiple database systems for utility functions, including preparing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting customer accounts in accordance with prescribed guidelines
Manage meter readings and billings in complex databases, including both download and upload processes, understanding the process, required settings, and information received
Maintains inventory systems for assigned city assets including water meters, garbage totes, recycling bins, and compost bins
Generates service orders for Water and Solid Waste division and closes when resolved
Evaluate eligibility and processes adjustments to customer accounts due to leaks, misapplied payments, and meter or billing errors, and maintain supporting documentation
Processes nightly utility updates
Processes delinquent accounts, including notices, hang-tag lists, and establishing payment arrangements
Generates and reviews exception reports to ensure accuracy and reasonableness, researches and solves issues that arise, including contacting customers with water consumption issues
Processes returned mail and researches to find correct mailing addresses
Processes customer deposit refunds and credit balance refunds or transfers
Reconcile customer accounts and payments
Audits and records various department and customer deposits, reviewing for accuracy and correcting entries as necessary, reconciling and balancing cash register daily
Generates financial reports and other related documents at specified time intervals as directed
Ensures processes are compliant with internal fiscal policies and City Ordinance and Resolutions
Serves as a liaison between key Department personnel and other City departments and/or the general public, and provides fiscal information, explains procedures, and provides technical information regarding related procedures and methods as requested
Performs clerical functions as required, including answering phones, preparing correspondence, and retrieving and purging obsolete files
Gathers, assembles, tabulates, proofs, balances, and summarizes information for budget input, and prepares reports in proper accounting format for review as required
Provides backup support to other Finance personnel as requested
Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions
Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas
Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner
Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities
Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.