Accounting Specialist –Billing & Collection Customer Service Representative

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Performs a limited variety of accounting, receptionist, and general required in office support duties, such as, but not limited to, customer service for Billing and Collection division, City informational resource, sorting mail, cash receipting, vouchers, timesheets, City forms and permits, accounts receivable for water, sewer, and storm water. Duties are somewhat independently guided by and performed in accordance with established procedures and specific instructions.

This description covers the most significant essential and auxiliary duties performed but does not include other occasional work which may be similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employee agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The position provides primary customer related services to the City’s utility customers for water, sewer, and storm water. Services include receiving customer payments via mail, in person, or over the internet, and will also include researching and responding to customer questions and complaints.

This position will be asked to perform the following duties:

Greet customers/visitors in person or over the phone.

Input data into an automated financial system.

Set up new customers:

• Enter work orders for setup, maintenance, and termination of customer accounts.
• Process and compare cash receipts and reporting.
• Calculate various customer payments.
• Determine outstanding balances.

Calculate payoff figures for customer balances and lien checks.

Operate a cash drawer, collect, balance and account for all funds on a daily basis.

Prepare and enter customer account information, orders, routine spreadsheets, and other documents. Identify and correct any errors and/or discrepancies.

Maintain other routine accounting functions and general office duties such as:

• Filing
• Grouping/sorting documents for processing in alphabetical and/or numerical order
• Compiling information and preparing routine, recurring summaries, and reports on account status

Respond to a variety of department and customer requests for information relative to assigned function. Provide information or services as authorized or refers to appropriate individual for direction.

Provide adequate back up of other Billing and Collection Division positions as required due to normal absences.

May be required to drive a City vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, etc. Issue customer notifications via mail, phone, in person or email.

Compare accounting records to various manual and computer reports to verify coding and balances.

Prepare routine spreadsheets from identified source data.

Sort and deliver incoming mail, prepare outgoing mail as instructed. Perform other related work as required or assigned.

High School diploma or GED equivalent, plus an Associate’s degree in business administration or accounting; minimum of two (2) years verifiable work experience involving accounting or bookkeeping and more responsible service to the public; or any equivalent combination of verifiable work experience, education and training which demonstrates the ability to perform the above-described duties.

Minimum of twelve (12) months’ verifiable work experience in a similar customer service position that worked with the general public.

This position will require the employee to primarily work out of the City office.

This position may be required to drive a City vehicle. Possession of; or required to obtain within thirty (30) days from date of hire, a valid Oregon driver’s license.

Must have a safe driving record.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Finance
• Two (2) years’ verifiable work experience in a municipal government setting (City/County)
• Two (2) years’ verifiable work experience in a utility billing entity or very similar environment
• Current Oregon Notary Public

Knowledge of:

• Customer service procedures.
• Standard office and clerical procedures.
• Pers…