Utility Billing Clerk I

About the Role

This is a part-time, entry/journey-level position performing a variety of general clerical duties, billing functions, and customer service functions. Incumbents initially perform the more routine duties assigned to the position under close supervision; as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned with increasing independence. This position reports to the Utility Billing Supervisor and exercises autonomy and sound judgement over tasks as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet the public in person or via telephone, respond to questions, and work with the Utility Department in setting up new customer accounts or making changes to existing accounts.
• Type and proofread a variety of documents including general correspondence, reports, and memorandums from rough draft or verbal instruction.
• Perform a wide variety of routine clerical work, including filing and documenting information on records.
• Answer telephone and wait on the general public, providing general information on departmental and City policies and procedures as required, and refer calls to appropriate department personnel.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints on the phone or in person.
• Explain City policies and procedures in a tactful and effective manner.
• Effectively perform a variety of accounting functions.
• Accurately count, record, and balance cash transactions and other monies received.
• Input and retrieve data accurately from City accounting and billing software quickly and efficiently.
• Process billing for utility accounts; prepare bills for mailing; mail statement bills; prepare bank drafts for utility accounts.
• Print usage report and create work orders based on abnormally high or low usage.
• Prepare and mail late payment notices and statements; apply deposits to accounts.
• Collect, process, and issue receipts for utility payments from customers in person, through the mail and drop box, and on-line.
• Provide assistance to customers regarding billing inquiries, complaints, requests for information, and related matters.
• Research accounts if discrepancy exists.
• Prepare water, sewer, and refuse adjustments, as needed.
• Prepare work orders for connections, disconnections, transfers, and water and sewer taps.
• Sort and file completed and uncompleted work orders.
• Prepare notifications of returned checks and mail to customers; prepare adjustments for customer returned checks; and prepare work order to disconnect accounts for returned checks.
• Prepare payment arrangements with customers needing an extension on water bill payment; arrange for disconnection of service if promise to pay agreement is broken.
• Print list of delinquent accounts to have service disconnected; ensure that list is up to date before submitting for disconnection.
• Effectively represent the City to customers, vendors, and community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED with 3 years' cashiering and customer service experience.
• Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Experience with utility billing software preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products, general accounting practices, accounts payable/receivable, and cash handling preferred.
• Ability to communicate (read, write, and speak) effectively in the English language with patrons of varying ages.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.

Special Requirements

• Must have a valid Texas driver's license, and currently have and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• All candidates with a job offer are required to complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check. The Town of Pecos City is a drug-free workplace.

Tools and Equipment Used

Personal computer, including word processor, spreadsheets, project management software, 10-key calculator, phone, copy machine, fax machine, etc.