Accounting Technician ​/ Utility Billing

Accounting Technician / Utility Billing Primary Objective of Position

Under general direction, performs technical accounting and customer-service work related to City accounts receivable, utility billing, service orders, daily receipts, and customer account maintenance. This position applies to established policies, procedures, and billing standards while exercising sound judgment to resolve customer account questions and routine billing issues.

• Receive, process, balance, and post daily receipts for utility services, Parks and Recreation, solid waste, golf, Inspection Office, E-911, Police Department, special assessments, and other applicable City accounts; prepare or assist with bank deposits as needed.
• Establish and maintain customer utility accounts, including entering new accounts; updating customer names, addresses, and other account information; and recording changes to customer services or billing information.
• Receive utility service applications and prepare service orders for new service, transfers, disconnects, reconnects, final readings, and other customer account changes.
• Set up, maintain, update, and discontinue ACH payment arrangements for utility billing customers as appropriate.
• Complete pre-billing activities, including reviewing and preparing meter-reading information for billing.
• Process utility billing for water, wastewater, solid waste, and related services in an accurate and timely manner.
• Review and update annual winter consumption information used to calculate sewer rates.
• Verify bill payments, process customer deposits, prepare final billings, and issue refunds when appropriate.
• Monitor delinquent utility accounts; assist customers with resolving delinquent balances; and initiate or schedule service disconnections in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Schedule and coordinate service orders with appropriate City departments or personnel.
• Respond to customer inquiries at the counter, by telephone, and through other communication methods. Provide accurate information, resolve routine concerns, or refer customers to the appropriate City employee or department.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail and provide general office support as needed.
• Prepare daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to utility billing, accounts receivable, receipts, and customer accounts.
• Operate computers, software programs, and standard office equipment.
• Maintain professional, courteous, and confidential interactions with the public, coworkers, and other City departments.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and seminars as assigned or deemed appropriate.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Required: High School Diploma or GED Certification.
• Preferred: 2 years of bookkeeping experience, or accounting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, ability to accurately enter, review, and maintain detailed financial and customer account information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers using tact, diplomacy, professionalism, and good customer-service skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Must possess and maintain a valid South Dakota driver’s license.

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with generally controlled conditions. The position requires frequent computer use and manual dexterity for data entry and other office duties.

Physical demands may include prolonged sitting; standing; walking; stooping; bending; and occasional lifting or moving of items weighing up to 35 pounds, with heavier lifting performed with assistance.