CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Columbusco; Whiteville (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbusco is seeking a detail-oriented cashier and clerk to support the Tax and Utility Departments. You will handle payments, maintain records, and assist customers with account inquiries in a county government setting.

Responsibilities include processing diverse payments, issuing receipts, and posting to accounts while ensuring accuracy and professionalism in daily interactions with the public.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in cashiering, customer service, accounting, or clerical work preferred.
• Ability to handle cash accurately and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process payments for property taxes, water and utility accounts, and other fees.
• Issue receipts and post payments to customer accounts accurately.
• Process payments by mail, phone, online, fax, or credit card and answer questions about bills and due dates.
• Balance and reconcile daily cash drawer and payment records; prepare daily bank deposits.
• Maintain accurate records and perform data entry; provide administrative support.
• Cross-train and provide backup support for other staff as needed.
• Assist taxpayers with tax and utility account information and prepare certifications when required.

Skills

Cash handling

Customer service

Data entry

Accounts receivable

Professional communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Calculator

Job description

Performs responsible cashiering, collections, and customer service work for the County's Tax or Utility Department. This position is responsible for receiving and processing payments, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting customers with account questions, and providing administrative support. Employees in this role interact with the public daily and must provide courteous, professional service while ensuring accuracy in all financial transactions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Service & Cashiering

• Receive and process payments for:
  • Property (ad valorem) taxes
  • Water and utility accounts
  • Privilege licenses
  • Tap fees
  • Deposits
  • Drainage assessments
  • Garbage can fees
• Issue receipts and accurately post payments to customer accounts.
• Process payments received by mail, telephone, online, fax, and credit card.
• Answer customer questions regarding bills, payments, due dates, accounts, and County policies.
• Provide account statements and other requested information.
• Resolve routine customer concerns and refer complex issues to the appropriate staff.
• Balance and reconcile daily cash drawer and payment records.
• Prepare or assist with daily bank deposits.
• Maintain accurate records and perform data entry.
• Provide administrative support and assist with general office operations.
• Cross-train and provide backup support for other staff as needed.

Tax Department Responsibilities

• Calculate prorated vehicle taxes with appropriate documentation.
• Process approved releases for vehicle, real property, and garbage can accounts.
• Research property ownership and tax listings.
• Prepare tax certifications for attorneys, lenders, and mortgage companies.
• Assist taxpayers with personal property listings.
• Assess farm equipment values for taxation.
• Assist elderly and disabled citizens with tax exemption applications.
• Update taxpayer address records.

Utility Department Responsibilities

• Establish new utility accounts and explain services and policies.
• Collect deposits and enroll customers in bank draft programs.
• Prepare work orders for:
  • New utility service
  • Final meter readings
  • Special meter readings
• Initiate utility locate requests.
• Process returned mail and returned checks.
• Research customer addresses and notify customers regarding returned mail, returned checks, and applicable fees.
• Research delinquent accounts for collection purposes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of County collection policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of billing, collections, accounting, and reporting processes.
• Proficiency with computers, office software, calculators, and other office equipment.
• Ability to accurately handle cash, checks, and financial transactions.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to remain professional when dealing with difficult customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform light physical work, including standing, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, and repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.
• Visual ability to accurately review financial documents, count cash, and operate standard office equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in cashiering, customer service, accounting, or clerical work is preferred.