Accounts Receivable Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing the collection of revenue owed to the local government and ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of all accounts receivable transactions. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of municipal operations by processing payments, generating invoices, and providing exceptional customer service to residents and businesses. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Prepare, issue, and track invoices for various services, including utility, licensing, fees, and fines.

• Ensure accuracy in billing calculations and compliance with established governmental rates and policies.

• Enter payments directly into the financial system and reconcile variances in billing records.

• Process incoming payments from residents and businesses through various methods (checks, electronic payments, credit cards) and maintain accurate records of transactions.

• Apply payments to appropriate accounts, ensuring that funds are correctly allocated to outstanding invoices.

• Monitor accounts for delinquency and initiate collection processes as necessary, working closely with the Utility Billing Customer Service Representative (CSR) Supervisor.

• Serve as a point of contact for residents, businesses, and vendors regarding accounts receivable inquiries, payment issues, and public service questions.

• Assist customers in understanding their bills and payment options while addressing any concerns or disputes in a timely manner.

• Collaborate with other departments to resolve billing discrepancies and enhance customer satisfaction.

• Maintain accurate and organized records of all accounts receivable transactions, including payment histories, aging reports, and supporting documentation.

• Prepare and present periodic reports on accounts receivable collections, aging schedules, and financial trends for management review.

• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and audit documentation related to accounts receivable.

• Communicate effectively with other departments regarding billing processes, service changes, and updates in policies.

• Maintain and monitor cash receipts and bank deposits related to accounts receivable.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Finance Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping procedures.

• Knowledge of data entry procedures and computer functions.

• Knowledge of general office procedures.

• Knowledge of the techniques of establishing and maintaining files.

• Knowledge of relevant city and departmental policies and procedures.

• Skill in basic mathematical calculations.

• Skill in written and oral communications.

• Skill in operating a computer, typewriter, calculator, check printer, and copier.

• Ability to perform duties with near perfect accuracy.

• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner and tolerate continuous interruptions.

SUPERVISORY CONTROL: The Finance Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor reviews work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to perform accounts receivable duties. Successful performance in this position contributes to the financial accuracy of the budget and reports. Errors could result in financial losses to the city and negative public image. Complexity occurs in the need for accurate and complete information for accounting and auditing functions and waiting on payment approvals from different departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision,…