Finance Technician - Utility Billing

City of Victorville; Victorville (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Victorville is seeking a Finance Technician in Utility Billing to monitor delinquent accounts, notify customers of potential collection actions, and support monthly lien and tax processes. The role requires strong Excel skills, accurate data entry, and effective communication with property owners and staff.

The position emphasizes accounting fundamentals, routine reporting, and adherence to deadlines in a city government setting, with a focus on customer service and utility billing

Qualifications

• Experience in utility billing and delinquent account handling.
• Ability to prepare routine reports and owner/customer notifications.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and budgeting basics.

Responsibilities

• Process liens, bankruptcies, and collections of delinquent utility accounts.
• Research property ownership for account accuracy and responsible parties.
• Prepare delinquent notices and final bills; maintain records and staff reports.

Skills

Customer service

Excel

Data entry

Communication

Financial record-keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED plus 30 college units in Business Administration/Public Administration

Tools

MUNIS

Microsoft Office

Word

Excel

Job description

Under the direction of the Finance Supervisor – Utility Billing, the Finance Technician Utility Billing monitors delinquent accounts and notifies customers of potential actions taken to collect, including discontinuance of service, placing a lien on a property, or submission to collection agencies. Duties include tracing and notifying property owners of delinquent accounts, compiling reports relating to collection work, processing special assessments to the annual tax roll, and researching bankruptcy notifications; performs related duties as required.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Processes liens, bankruptcies, and collection of delinquent utility accounts.
• Researches property ownership for account accuracy and responsible parties.
• Processes and records liens and lien releases.
• Prepares delinquent notices and final bills.
• Performs administrative detail work, maintains appropriate records, and provides owner/customer notifications and staff reports for delinquent tax processes.
• Reconciles lien receivables monthly and prepares year-end adjustments.
• Maintains and completes monthly processes, ensuring accuracy.
• Coordinates the preparation of data and records for general and utility billing processes.
• Investigates billing irregularities and carries out necessary resolutions.
• Leads contract renewal and RFP process with collection agencies.
• Prepares routine reports and a variety of related manual and clerical duties.
• Works effectively under timelines and significant workload.
• Utilizes computer software programs competently.
• Operates a variety of office equipment, including computer software applications, scanners, photocopiers, and printers.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

High school diploma or GED supplemented by thirty (30) college semester units in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in utility billing; or successful completion of the City of Victorville Internship Program. Public agency experience is preferable. Notary experience is desirable. An additional thirty (30) college semester units in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required work experience.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles, methods, and practices of financial and customer account record-keeping work
• Customer billing and collection of account records, data entry, and basic auditing
• Accounting principles, procedures, and terminology
• Methods of project management to meet deadlines
• Personal computer operation and related software applications, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, e-mail, and web-based communication tools
• MUNIS financials
• Research techniques, methods, and procedures
• Effective telephone techniques and etiquette
• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic mathematical principles
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including software and database programs
• Administrative techniques, including principles of organization and budgeting

Skill and ability to:

• Provide efficient customer service
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writingUse Excel to create/modify reports, formulas, spreadsheets, etc.
• Organize with the ability to prioritize work and exercise independent judgment, wisdom, common sense, and initiative
• Use initiative, discretion, and judgment within established procedures, guidelines, and rules
• Thoroughly carry out oral and written instructions
• Understand and interpret basic policies and procedures
• Prepare material and equipment specifications in accordance with established procedures and formatting
• Perform difficult and responsible administrative duties involving use of independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
• Perform complex mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy
• Utilize methods used in financial and statistical record-keeping
• Operate a computer, calculator, and other office equipment
• Prioritize and schedule workload to ensure completion when faced with deadlines or emergencies
• Use patience, tact, and courtesy in dealing with vendors and other stakeholders
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City and other government officials, community groups, vendors, and the general public
• Defineproblems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Apply safe work practices

(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)

This position works primarily in an indoor office and warehouse environment, in close proximity to other workers. Incumbents shall be exposed to those conditions normally encountered in a business office environment. Positions in this class typically require balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation. Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Incumbents must be able to communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood. Incumbents must have the ability to work long hours and overtime, if necessary, and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or varying shifts