UTILITY CLERK

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB

: This is a moderately complex technical bookkeeping position requiring knowledge of maintaining utility customer account files and strong cash handling skills. Greet and receive payments from the general public.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to Utility Billing Manager. This is a non-supervisory position. Has regular contact with other employees and the general public; may have contact with a variety of other city organizations, vendors, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

This is a description of the way this job is currently performed; there is potential for accommodation. Greets the public in person or via telephone, responding to utility billing and general City questions and requests and referring complex issues to the appropriate person; Work as a cashier receiving utility payments, balancing cash drawer daily. Balances and posts daily receipts for accounts receivable and prepares daily bank deposits; reconciles deposits with computer printout; prepares adjustment entries for accounts; Process and maintain changes in customer names, addresses, account status or meter locations from work orders; makes manual corrections in master listings and codes changes for computer; checks change listing for accuracy prior to file update; makes corrections; checks updated master listings against manual entries; Checks error messages to detect abnormal metering information; compares past consumption patterns and other known conditions to determine need for rereading or investigation; orders rereading or service department investigation where indicated; makes necessary corrections for billing; Setup new residential and commercial utility accounts and airport hangar rentals; Prepare second notices of past due accounts and prepare cut-off list for service department; Provides meter location information by street address, physical location and meter route book; assists in maintaining route and meter maps and sets up new accounts and reading routes; Researches and compiles account histories of consumption patterns, past service calls, and similar information to assist in resolving disputed billing or service maintenance inquiries; Assist with bad debt accounts in researching and locating customers before bad debt accounts are sent to collection agency; Assist with routine reporting for open records requests, trash service and requests from management; Prepares payment imports and bank drafts for customer payments received electronically; and Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Modern office practices, procedures and equipment Standard clerical techniques. Standards and methods of customer account maintenance. Basic bookkeeping and billing practices. Effect of seasonal weather and activity variations on utility consumption. Cash handling and reconciling a cash drawer accurately on a daily basis.

Ability to:

Make varied arithmetic computations and tabulations rapidly and accurately. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public. Understand and carry out moderately complex oral and written instructions. Operate a computer and the ability to develop such skill in a reasonable period of time and operate a 10-key calculator/adding machine. Use personal computers and Microsoft software (Excel, Word) Maintain accurate records. Detect and analyze indicated metering abnormalities in relation to past consumption patterns, seasonal variations, and other pertinent factors, and to draw reasonable conclusions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

High school diploma or GED Previous training on computer, 10-key (touch), telephone systems, and other general office equipment. 1 year experience in customer service and/or cash handling.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED

May be required to be bondable and/or hold or obtain certification as a Notary Public. Bilingual a plus. I nnovation C ustomer Focus I ntegrity E xcellence R espect