Accounting Technician / Utility Billing

CITY OF HURON; Huron (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Huron is seeking an Accounting Technician to support utility billing, accounts receivable, and daily receipts. You will process payments, maintain customer accounts, prepare service orders, and ensure billing accuracy according to City policies.

The role requires a high school diploma, proficiency with MS Word/Excel/Outlook, ability to handle confidential information, and preferred bookkeeping experience. Strong customer-service skills and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: 2 years of bookkeeping experience or accounting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to accurately enter and maintain financial and customer data.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers; maintain confidentiality.
• Must possess and maintain a valid South Dakota driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, balance, and post daily receipts for utility services and city accounts.
• Establish and maintain customer utility accounts and update account information.
• Prepare service orders for new service, transfers, disconnects, reconnects, and other changes.
• Set up and manage ACH payment arrangements for utility billing customers.
• Prepare and review meter-reading information for billing and process utility billing.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Customer service

MS Office

Data entry

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Accounting Technician / Utility Billing

Primary Objective of Position

Under general direction, performs technical accounting and customer-service work related to City accounts receivable, utility billing, service orders, daily receipts, and customer account maintenance. This position applies to established policies, procedures, and billing standards while exercising sound judgment to resolve customer account questions and routine billing issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, process, balance, and post daily receipts for utility services, Parks and Recreation, solid waste, golf, Inspection Office, E-911, Police Department, special assessments, and other applicable City accounts; prepare or assist with bank deposits as needed.
• Establish and maintain customer utility accounts, including entering new accounts; updating customer names, addresses, and other account information; and recording changes to customer services or billing information.
• Receive utility service applications and prepare service orders for new service, transfers, disconnects, reconnects, final readings, and other customer account changes.
• Set up, maintain, update, and discontinue ACH payment arrangements for utility billing customers as appropriate.
• Complete pre-billing activities, including reviewing and preparing meter-reading information for billing.
• Process utility billing for water, wastewater, solid waste, and related services in an accurate and timely manner.
• Review and update annual winter consumption information used to calculate sewer rates.
• Verify bill payments, process customer deposits, prepare final billings, and issue refunds when appropriate.
• Monitor delinquent utility accounts; assist customers with resolving delinquent balances; and initiate or schedule service disconnections in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Schedule and coordinate service orders with appropriate City departments or personnel.
• Respond to customer inquiries at the counter, by telephone, and through other communication methods. Provide accurate information, resolve routine concerns, or refer customers to the appropriate City employee or department.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail and provide general office support as needed.
• Prepare daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to utility billing, accounts receivable, receipts, and customer accounts.
• Operate computers, software programs, and standard office equipment.
• Maintain professional, courteous, and confidential interactions with the public, coworkers, and other City departments.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, and seminars as assigned or deemed appropriate.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Required: High School Diploma or GED Certification.
• Preferred: 2 years of bookkeeping experience, or accounting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, ability to accurately enter, review, and maintain detailed financial and customer account information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers using tact, diplomacy, professionalism, and good customer-service skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Must possess and maintain a valid South Dakota driver’s license.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with generally controlled conditions. The position requires frequent computer use and manual dexterity for data entry and other office duties.

Physical demands may include prolonged sitting; standing; walking; stooping; bending; and occasional lifting or moving of items weighing up to 35 pounds, with heavier lifting performed with assistance.