Utility Billing SpecialistUtility Billing Specialist
City of Otsego
Title of Class: Utility Billing Specialist
Revised Date: June 1, 2009
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Performs skilled utility billing and customer service work in the
Finance Department; performs related duties as required.
Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Finance Director.
Supervision Exercised: None.
TYPICAL DUTIES PERFORMED
The listed examples may not include all duties performed by all duties performed by all positions
in this class. Duties may vary somewhat from position to position within a class.
*Manages the utility billing system including maintaining up-to-date customer utility account
information, establishing new accounts and preparing final accounts.
*Enters utility billing data into utility billing software and reviews for completeness and
accuracy.
*Runs bill calculation, verifies bill register for accuracy, identifies and refers possible problems
to the appropriate staff or contacts property owner; print bills and prepare them for
mailing.
*Applies remittances to accounts, makes appropriate adjustments and prepares deposits; handles
NSF checks.
*Serves as a primary resource for customer inquiries and complaints regarding utility bills.
*Responds to requests from realtors and title companies for information about utility accounts
and assessments; may refer to Finance Department.
*Manages delinquent utility accounts including providing delinquent notices, making
arrangements to payment plans in accordance with accepted guidelines, processing
payments and preparing documentation for public hearings.
*Prepares memos, correspondence, statements and other information to properly document
billing issues, complaints and adjustments using word and spreadsheet applications.
*Maintains accurate records of water meter inventory and schedules inspections of meters for
replacement or repair.
*Calculates winter consumption for establishing sewer rates.
*Schedules, connects, disconnects and reconnects of water service with Public Works.
*Maintains records and documentation for billings, payments and adjustments.
*Prepares and mails material to inform customers of City's changes or updates to the utility
billing programs; coordinates inserts with other Departments.
Maintains an inventory of meters and issues new meters to builders/plumbers as requested.
*Prepares Itron machine for meter reads and download meter reads for monthly billing.
*Performs cycle/period end processing, GL updates and print monthly reports.
Utility Billing Specialist
City of Otsego
*Works with internal departments to take care of customer's needs, resolve issues and special
requests.
*Operates a variety of standard office equipment including computers, printers, phone, fax
machine, copier and postage machine.
Recommends improvements on procedures and methods to help prevent future complaints.
Operates mail stuffing machine and processes outgoing mail.
Performs other office and accounting procedures as assigned.
Maintains the inventory for utility billing system (special forms, envelopes, etc).
Schedules spring irrigation inspections with Public Works.
Assists auditors with annual audit as requested.
Performs other duties as needed or required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
*Considerable knowledge of utility billing processes and procedures.
*Considerable knowledge of standard office practices and equipment including computers with
specialized software and standard office software.
*Considerable skill in operating standard office equipment including a personal computer and
utility billing software.
*Considerable ability to communicate information clearly and tactfully to customers and
vendors, both verbally and in writing, including handling billing complaints.
*Considerable ability to analyze and determine appropriate resolution to utility billing anomalies.
*Considerable ability to type and enter information with speed and accuracy and to maintain
accurate and complete records and documentation.
Working ability to generate or prepare utility -related reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Two years of responsible clerical and customer service experience, at least one year of which
included experience processing automated billing and/or accounts receivable. Completion of a
two-year degree in accounting or a related field can substitute for up to one year of the
experience required.
* Asterisked items are essential to the job