Financial Service Representative

Boston Water & Sewer Commission; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Water & Sewer Commission in Boston, MA, seeks a finance professional to support the Finance department with accounting, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, and related duties.

The role handles meter reading adjustments, lien processes, refunds, and cash handling; requires basic accounting knowledge, strong organizational and customer service skills, and proficiency with standard office software.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in Customer Service or Accounting, preferably in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Review meter reading reports, analyze consumption trends, and calculate adjustments.
• Research disputed account matters and notify customers of adjustments.
• Process lien applications and schedule readings with customers.
• Coordinate investigations with revenue protection; file Lien Certificates.
• Handle refunds, transfers and payment applications; respond to customer inquiries.

Skills

Accounting

Customer Service

General Journal entries

Spreadsheets

Data entry

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree in Accounting

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Job description

Employees must be Boston residents on their date of hire and for the duration of their employment subject to BWSC policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Position Purpose

Provides a variety of financial functions, as well as administrative support for the Finance department within the Commission; performs general accounting work, budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable administrative, and all other related duties for all financial activities.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Reviews automatic meter reading reports, analyzes consumption trends, and calculates adjustments as needed. Reviews and processes adjustments to accounts.
• Research disputed matters on accounts to determine necessary adjustments and abatements. Notifies customers of adjustments and abatement results. Enters adjustments in computerized billing system.
• Processes lien applications and schedules sale readings with customers.
• Coordinates investigations with revenue protection department. Calculates, processes and files Lien Certificates.
• Processes approved discount applications.
• Provides booth coverage and security. Researches and resolves water and sewer account issues. Reviews and resolves questions received from Customer Service or Collections regarding refunds, transfers and payment applications.
• Communicates with bank representatives to request copies, credit memos, debit memos and resolve bank errors. Downloads online payment files and maintains online payment journal.
• Interacts with customers and other employees to properly process payments.
• Assists in training of other staff.
• Reviews credit balances for refund and transfer approval. Accepts cash and check payments from customers at cash booth. Trains new cashiers and ensure procedures are followed.
• Processes non-purchase order and purchase order invoices; prepares purchase order invoices payment by matching to corresponding PO paperwork and proper approvals.
• Resolves all internal/external inquiries; assists supervisor in reconciliations and journal entries as necessary.
• Reviews the meter reading error warning list and makes necessary corrections.
• Reviews and accepts or rejects the billing register prior to bills being printed.
• Prepares bills and postage summary for mail house.
• Opens/closes/prints work orders for field investigations or meter and MTU replacements.
• Prepares, copies, files, sends, and handles customer response to various types of notices and letters regarding access to meters, consumption and termination of water service.
• Maintains various files and logs, including hard copies, scanned files, and digital photos.
• Dispatches and logs calls for field employees.
• Scans and processes W-9 forms as required and tracks new vendor addresses.
• Receives, sorts, opens and redistributes mail. Records deposits and prepares total daily reports. Processes returned payments and communicate with customer if necessary. Cashes out at end of shift and prepares armored car pickup.
• Performs special projects and related duties as assigned.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree in Accounting or related field preferred. One to two (1 - 2) years of experience in Customer Service or Accounting, preferably in the public sector dealing with local government. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge Basic knowledge of various accounting, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Collections functions; familiarity with BWSC regulations and related requirements, practices and terminology; thorough knowledge of departmental operations; familiarity with accounting principles and procedures; working knowledge of software applications; experience with General Journal entries preferred.

Ability Communicate effectively and tactfully with staff and the public; compose correspondence; prioritize and complete multiple tasks at one time with frequent interruptions; think analytically; operate a computer with intermediate skills using software programs for word processing, database, spreadsheets and other software as required by the position; maintain and create spreadsheets and records; use automated accounting systems.

Skill Excellent customer service skills; strong organizational skills; strong analytical skills; skills in all of the above listed tools and equipment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is frequently required to sit, communicate, and hear, is occasionally required to walk, and must be able to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard and calculator at efficient speed.

Supervision

Supervision Scope This position performs various duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the ability to complete assigned tasks according to established procedures and protocol.

Supervision Received Works under the general direction of the department manager, generally sets own daily work plan; escalates questions or issues as necessary to supervisor.

Supervision Given None.

Job Environment

• Work is performed in an office environment. Majority of work is performed in a moderately quiet work environment.
• Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, fax machine and all other standard office equipment.
• Makes frequent contact with other departments, the general public and auditors.
• Errors could result in delay or loss of service, and have potential legal and/or financial repercussions.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer