Fiscal Specialist (Utilities and Cashier)

The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time non-exempt Fiscal Specialist in the Finance Department. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for receiving and processing payments, issuing receipts, and posting payment data to customer accounts; assisting customers with various types of information including, but not limited to obtaining a business license and sales tax exemption cards, opening/closing of water and sewer utilities; delivering excellent customer service by providing general information regarding sales tax, utility bills and other finance related functions; and maintaining all related procedural documentation and compliance. This position also performs a variety of specialized duties related to the City’s billing system to include generating monthly water/sewer bills, uploading of meter reads, delinquent and shutoff notices, and calculating special billings. Cross-trained in other areas of coverage in the finance department. The Fiscal Specialist must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the department. Performs customer service and assistance to the public involving reception and public information tasks; answers customer questions and inquiries or refers inquiries to the appropriate party; explains steps, appropriate forms, procedures, and requirements for various transactions, services, or activities; researches, resolves, and responds to customer problems and complaints; explains departmental policies and procedures to the public. Performs a variety of routine cashiering tasks including, but not limited to receiving cash, check, or credit card payments for a variety of fees, charges, permits, utility bills, and miscellaneous revenue payments; posts and issues receipts; records payment transactions in computer system. Responsible for utility billing functions including, but not limited to setting up accounts, recording work orders, entering monthly meter readings, monthly billings, late fee calculations, shut-off notices, door tags, account adjustments, and maintaining accurate records of all City utility customers, including address and ownership changes, and adjustments as needed and in accordance with policy. Performs daily cash reconciliation and balancing; prepares daily deposit and necessary records in accordance with City procedures. Sets up and maintains the utility rate tables in the accounting financial system. Tracks and/or maintains a variety of records, logs, ledgers, and files; processes payments and prints documentation; maintains related documentation; archive supporting records when appropriate. Sets up and maintains collection process for delinquent utility accounts; sets up payment plans for utility customers as directed by the supervisor. Compiles and maintains a procedure manual for the water and sewer billing system. Enters a variety of financial information into spreadsheets and/or databases; tests and maintains support systems; reviews and balances transactions and ledgers; prepares journal entries and vouchers. Assists with year-end audit. Cross-train in areas of finance - business license and sales tax and accounts payable functions for covering absences and other duties as assigned. Protects the confidentiality of customer information and records. Performs other duties as assigned. High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) and Associate's degree or two-year technical certificate in accounting, business, or related field and three to five years of progressively responsible accounts receivable, accounting, or bookkeeping experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Valid Alaska Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: Customer service principles; Data entry techniques; Basic accounting principles and practices; Basic mathematical concepts; Basic report preparation techniques; Recordkeeping principles; Computers and related software applications like Microsoft Office Suite. Skill in: Providing customer service; Tabulating, recording, and balancing transactions; Performing mathematical calculations; Preparing and maintaining records; Operating applicable office equipment and software, including a 10-key by touch; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Ability to: Perform a wide variety of customer service and general clerical work; Meet the public with courtesy and tact; Deal with a wide range of difficult/challenging situations in which individuals may be upset over City policies/procedures; Make accurate mathematical calculations; Maintain accurate and interrelated financial records and identify and reconcile errors; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to interpret, explain and apply policies and regulations applicable to the area assigned; Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and communicate effectively; Operate a computer terminal, personal computer and use applicable software applications; Maintain the confidentiality of customer information and data; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in course of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, twisting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Functions of this position require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Regularly interacts with the general public including contacts of a complex or occasionally adversarial nature. Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most work performed in routine office environment with some out-of-office duties required. Regularly interacts with the general public including contacts of a complex or occasionally adversarial nature. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Kodiak