Business Office Assistant

Accounting And Supervisory PositionThis is very responsible professional accounting, administrative and supervisory work involving the performance of a variety of professional financial control and business office functions.Work involves responsibility for assisting the Office Manager of the Water and Sewer Divisions in the day-to-day operation of the business office of a public utility and for the implementation of finance policy, procedures, systems and audit recommendations. Duties that may be assigned include, but are not limited to utility billing, account reconciliations, accounting for various funds, monthly financial reports, year-end reports, financial analysis and internal audit.This position also has the responsibility for making difficult accounting technical decisions and decisions related to service terminations, customer bankruptcies and foreclosures. The work requires that the employee have considerable knowledge, skill and ability in every phase of office procedures and accounting principles, practices and control functions.Oversees the Division's accounts receivable collections program and business office functions relating to electronic meter reading interface with billing systems. Oversees electronic meter reading process including preparation and management of route schedules for the supervisor's approval, start and end reading dates and other scheduling matters and assists in the resolution of related problems with hardware and software.Directs accounting clerical staff in standard accounting functions in accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, assessments and billings. Assists in the utility billing process including the calculation of interest and liens on delinquent accounts and oversees bill printing and processing.Makes decisions related to delinquent accounts such as collection correspondence, amortization agreements, service shut-offs and handles customer inquiries related to delinquencies. Works with other departments on foreclosure cases including preparation of reports for legal action.Reviews and prepares a variety of reports including periodic financial status reports and surveys. Prepares and submits for approval accounting entries as needed. Analyzes and balances various accounts such as inter-fund accounts as needed. Certifies availability of funds in the absence of the Office Manager.Assists auditors with audit studies and assists in the development in internal audit procedures. May assist in the preparation of grant reimbursements. Prepares financial reports for Department of Public Utility annual report.May discuss assessment, billing complaints, delinquent accounts and related areas with customers, as assigned.May recommend discipline and direct training. May assist in the selection process for hiring candidates. May review employee performance and assure safe work practices. As assigned, may perform some of the functions of the Office Manager in his or her absence.Reviews for correctness vouchers presented for payment and payrolls presented for processing.Assists in the preparation of the Water and Sewer Divisions' annual budget and may assist in the preparation of short-and long-term rate analyses.Attends Town Council, Public Utility Commission and other meetings as required that relate to the duties of the position.Performs related work as required.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Considerable knowledge of office procedures and accounting principles and practices including financial reporting requirements and utility rate structure.Considerable knowledge of governmental and enterprise accounting principles and procedures, including auditing, payroll and budgeting.Considerable knowledge of the operations of municipal utility business office from an accounting and customer service perspective, including billing, collections, and payroll procedures.Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies and the general public.Good knowledge of general statutes that relate to water and sewer enterprise funds and to bankruptcies and foreclosures.Good knowledge of utility rate structures.Good ability in written and oral communication.QUALIFICATIONS:A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in accounting, plus three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including computerized accounting systems, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year for year basis. At least one (1) year of work experience must be in a supervisory capacity. In order to be deemed qualified: you must provide information on your application or resume on how many people you supervised for each position you held.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's License.MAXIMUM APPLICATIONS RECEIVED:This posting will close immediately once the 50th application has been submitted and received by the Human Resources Department. This posting only remains open till the closing date listed above in the event that 50 applications have not been received.