Assistant Business Office Manager

About the role

This is a professional accounting, administrative, and supervisory position involving a variety of financial control and business office functions for a public utility. The role assists the Office Manager of the Water and Sewer Divisions in daily operations, finance policy implementation, and audit recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Divisions' accounts receivable collections program and business office functions related to electronic meter reading and billing systems.
• Manage the electronic meter reading process, including route schedules, reading dates, and resolution of hardware/software issues.
• Direct accounting clerical staff in accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, assessments, and billings.
• Assist in utility billing, including calculating interest and liens on delinquent accounts, and oversee bill printing and processing.
• Make decisions on delinquent accounts, such as collection correspondence, amortization agreements, service shut-offs, and customer inquiries.
• Work with other departments on foreclosure cases, including preparing reports for legal action.
• Prepare and review periodic financial status reports, surveys, and accounting entries.
• Analyze and balance various accounts, including inter-fund accounts.
• Certify availability of funds in the absence of the Office Manager.
• Assist auditors with audit studies and develop internal audit procedures.
• Prepare financial reports for the Department of Public Utility annual report and assist in grant reimbursements.
• Address customer complaints regarding assessments, billing, and delinquent accounts.
• Recommend discipline, direct training, and assist in hiring and performance reviews for staff.
• Perform Office Manager duties in their absence.
• Review vouchers for payment and payrolls for correctness.
• Assist in preparing the Water and Sewer Divisions' annual budget and short- and long-term rate analyses.
• Attend Town Council, Public Utility Commission, and other relevant meetings.

Requirements

The position requires considerable knowledge, skill, and ability in office procedures and accounting principles, practices, and control functions. The employee must be capable of making difficult accounting and technical decisions related to service terminations, customer bankruptcies, and foreclosures.