Billing Specialist

Job Title Billing Specialist Job Description Performs various billing duties related to the water, sewer, and sanitation services provided by the City. Duties include processing of meter reading data, generation of service orders, problem-solving customer accounts, preparation of billing registers, and assisting customers with payment processing and collection issues. Ensures accuracy of customer billing, providing customers with a high level of professional service. Follows all City policies and Ordinances. Job Duties Loads meter reading data into technology for Meter Services; downloads completed readings each day; runs reports to verify accuracy and completion of data. Runs high/low report and issues service orders on re-reads; enters data as needed. Processes reports from other departments, prepares and enters adjustments related to administrative penalties. Prepares billing register, readies bills for printing, transmits print file to third-party vendor, verifies balances and resolves transmit/data errors. Processes recurring web payments thru a third party vendor. Contact customers regarding Fire Hydrant monthly readings. Works closely with Solid Waste regarding refuse issues with Customer's accounts. Completes service orders from Meter Services on various meter issues, such as re-reads, trouble codes and new meter installations, updating computer records with necessary information. Reviews and processes adjustments generated by Customer Service employees. Generates adjustments as needed to correct account problems, close accounts, and correct computer errors. Processes requests for refunds on account overpayments, deposit refunds, etc. Maintains awareness of scheduled read dates, billing, penalty, and cut-off schedule in order to provide appropriate responses to customer inquiries. Prepares and issues replacement/duplicate bills to customers as needed. Assists in the training of other employees in the performance of billing specialist duties. Generates, verifies, and corrects various monthly and year-end billing reports including: deposit register, closed account report, adjustment register, accounts receivable report, and revenue reports. Review daily reports from remote read software regarding possible leaks on customer's meters. Provide listing to Utility Analyst to set up robo calls to customers regarding possible leaks. May serve as a backup to Billing Supervisor if need arises. Handles difficult customers and assists Customer Service Representatives with problem accounts and other difficulties which arise from the job. Refers major complaints to Senior Billing Specialist for resolution. Researches and responds to consumer problems such as high water bills, cut-offs, misread water meters, payment posting errors; coordinates work with other functions to resolve problems; initiates actions to resolve problems. Sets up customer accounts for bank draft, and initiates action on return drafts. Reviews list of closed accounts, and transfers debt to existing customer accounts as appropriate to collect utility debt. As related to Clerical function: Reviews and prepares departmental month-end reports for management review. Compiles statistical information for management use in evaluating department performance in relation to goals/objectives. Answers phone and transfers to appropriate person or department. Performs clerical responsibilities such as typing, data entry, copying, faxing, and filing. Maintains all billing department records, including month and year-end reports, adjustment records and meter reports. All incumbents will be required to perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: High School diploma or G.E.D. Three years related experience, with at least one year of experience in customer service environment is required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience to meet the above stated requirements. Licenses and Certifications: Valid Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) desirable. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Experience with accounting software and Microsoft Office Products, including Windows, Excel and Word preferred. Knowledge of general office procedures including filing, bookkeeping, records maintenance, and computer operations. Knowledge of basic mathematical functions. Skill in operation of computer keyboard in order to enter and retrieve data. Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the public. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all City departments, employees, officials, and the public. Ability to ascend and descend stairs on a daily basis. Supplemental Information Maximum of 15% in incentive pay. This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. City Benefits Paid at 100% Employee Assistance Program Employee Clinic & Wellness Center GMEBS Retirement Plan (select positions) Life Insurance (up to $75,000) Paid Holidays (10) Paid Jury Duty Leave Paid Military Leave Paid Time Off (PTO) Protective Safety Equipment Short-Term Disability Insurance (After 12 months of employment) Tuition Reimbursement (After one year of employment) Uniforms (select positions) Workers' Compensation Supplemental Benefits Accident Critical Illness Death and Dismemberment Deferred Compensation Dental Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Long-Term Disability Medical Plan A Retirement (50% City paid - select positions) Vision Voluntary Life Insurance Other Benefits Biweekly Paycheck Credit Union Direct Deposit Discount PC Purchase Plan Employee Recognition Events Employee Wellness Opportunities Free Flu Shot Free Parking Health and Benefits Fair