Office Assistant III - Customer Accounting

Job Title

*Open to SEIU Salaried Members and the Public*

SEIU Salaried Members must apply within the first 14 days of this posting to be considered as an in-house candidate. Any applications received after the first 14 days will be considered with applications from the public.

Applications will be screened. Those qualified will be invited to participate in performance testing and an oral interview. Applicants must successfully pass each of the selection processes by a score of 70% or better to proceed in the process.

This posting is subject to close after 14 days

Major Duties

Performs skilled administrative support ensuring accurate and timely water and sewer billings and related service account maintenance while offering assistance to customers.

1. Provide assistance to customers via phone and in-person regarding billing inquiries and service issues.

2. Audit water and sewer billings for residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers, ensuring accuracy based on meter reads.

3. Review billings for anomalies in usage, determining the need for meter checks when necessary.

4. Input and manage work orders for the water shop, ensuring timely completion and closure.

5. Audit accounts for accuracy during changes in water and sewer rates.

6. Manage returned bills, contact recipients as needed and take appropriate action.

7. Assist customers seeking bill payment assistance from various agencies.

8. Participate in the lien process for unpaid accounts.

9. Support water and sewer collection efforts, including customer communication and correspondence.

10. Ensure timely processing and mailing of water and sewer billing.

11. Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible office experience performing a variety of clerical functions.
• Previous work experience in a customer service field.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possess and maintain a State of Michigan driver's license.

Ability to

• Handle sensitive and confidential information
• Handle irate citizens with tack and diplomacy
• Effectively and professionally communicate both verbally and in written format with a variety of internal and external contacts.

Knowledge of

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) as well as the ability to become proficient in various departmental related software.

Skill in

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and basic mathematical skills

Working Conditions

Work Environment Work is primarily performed in an office environment with no exposure to environmental conditions. The noise level is typically moderate (e.g. business office with typing and/or computer printers, light traffic).

• Seldom exertion of up to 25 pounds of force.
• Continuously required to stand, walk and sit. This position may involve alternating between sitting and standing as necessary to complete daily work tasks.
• Seldom required to climb ladders and stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, and pull.
• Continuously required to reach with hands and arms, perform gross and fine manipulation, including frequent keyboarding and use of office equipment.
• Standard vision requirements.
• Clear vocal communication for expressing ideas.
• Detailed hearing requirements: ability to hear detailed information through oral communication and/or make fine distinctions in sound.

Benefits

The City of Saginaw offers a competitive benefits package to full time employees.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Care with low bi-weekly employee premium contributions (low deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums).
• Dental Insurance and Vision Plan; 100% employer-paid premium
• MERS Hybrid Retirement Plan: 2 plans in one - Defined benefit plan with the investment choice of a defined contribution plan.
• Healthcare Savings Plan: Savings Plan to help you prepare for the costs of health care after you leave employment.
• City-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment.
• 13 Paid Holidays
• PTO (Paid Time Off) days based on length of service; accrual can be up to 22 days during the first year of employment.
• City-paid short and Long-Term Disability Benefits
• Deferred Compensation Program: Voluntary 457 and Roth IRA
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

(Benefits are subject to change in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.)