Senior Financial Clerk - Utilities Billing

City of Winston-Salem, NC; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Winston-Salem, NC is seeking an intermediate clerical/technical worker to assist in processing utility bills and related tasks under supervision.

The role involves auditing billing data, detecting anomalies, and preparing financial records for presentation to the accounting system, while maintaining customer-facing service with accuracy and professionalism.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with experience in billing, customer service and financial records.
• Familiarity with accounting principles and office procedures.
• Ability to work with complex financial data and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Audit and process account and meter data before and after billing for accuracy.
• Detect anomalies in reading and consumption and take corrective action.
• Identify and correct billing errors; assist customers as needed.
• Verify locations using tax information and support documentation.
• Prepare water system records for presentation to accounting systems.
• Explain billing data and adjust bills per city policies.
• Support Customer Service Clerks and other staff in tasks.
• Collaborate with Water Services Inspectors and Meter Shop staff on special projects.

Skills

Accounting terminology

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Analytical abilities

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience in billing/recordkeeping

Tools

Billing software

Job description

Performs intermediate clerical and technical work processing the issuance of utility bills, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Senior Financial Analyst.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Audits and processes account and meter reading data before and after billing to ensure accuracy.
• Uses knowledge of billing processes to detect anomalies in reading, consumption, meter data and takes appropriate action when anomalies are detected.
• Identifies and corrects billing errors when they occur. May train other employees in performance of job tasks. Works with the public as needed.
• Verifies locations of lots and/or connections using Forsyth County tax information.
• Aids in the preparation of complex financial water system records (billing/collection records) for presentation to the Financial Accounting System.
• Explains billing system data when the need arises. Adjusts utility bills based on established City policies.
• Makes decisions based on standard office policy and endeavors to aid Customer Service Clerks in the performance of their tasks.
• Forms working relationships with Water Services Inspectors, Meter Shop staff, and other Utilities department staff. Works to complete other special projects as they are assigned.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED and moderate experience with billing, customer service, bookkeeping and maintaining financial records, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of accounting terminology and methods; general knowledge of standard office procedures, practices and equipment; some knowledge of routine accounting principles; ability to maintain complex financial records and to prepare reports and statements; ability to make arithmetic computations quickly and accurately; strong analytical abilities; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software; and the ability to deal effectively with customers, coworkers, and the general public.

Physical Requirements:

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).