Utility Accounts Specialist

City of Cedar Park; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Cedar Park seeks a customer service and accounts receivable specialist to support utility billing operations. You will handle inquiries, update and verify customer accounts, and process payments efficiently in a fast-paced municipal environment.

The role requires strong attention to detail, basic accounting knowledge, and proficiency with billing software and MS Office. Prior utility billing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1 year related experience in customer service/accounts receivable.
• Experience in utility billing or municipal environment preferred.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service via phone, email, and in person to utility customers and City employees.
• Maintain detailed customer account information including billing history and notes.
• Assist customers with establishing, transferring, or disconnecting service, and process payments accurately.

Skills

Accounts receivable

GAAP

Cash handling

Customer service

Billing software

Data entry

Multitasking

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Billing software

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

• Provides excellent customer service to utility customers via telephone, email, and in person; responds to inquiries from customers and City employees regarding utility accounts, fees, services, and billing, and refers customers to the appropriate department as needed.
• Corresponds with customers in a professional manner and assists with resolving questions and concerns related to utility services and accounts.
• Accesses, reviews, and maintains detailed customer account information, including customer contact information, account notes, billing history, and other account records; ensures information is accurate and complete.
• Assists residential and commercial customers with establishing new utility service, transferring service, and disconnecting service.
• Accepts and accurately processes utility payments and other fees received in person, by telephone, through the mail, and through online payment systems using electronic payment and utility billing software.
• Processes incoming mail, including operating check-processing equipment.
• Closes out and balances cash registers and payment batches on a daily basis in accordance with established procedures.
• Issues, enters, tracks, and processes work orders for meter readers and other field staff.
• Reviews meter read data for accuracy and refers discrepancies to the Billing Division for correction or further review as appropriate.
• Assists the Utility Billing Division with scheduled service disconnections.
• Reviews customer account information to ensure accuracy and completeness of billing for all City field meters.
• Assists with reviewing and processing utility account information and documentation to ensure compliance with established billing procedures.
• Maintains familiarity with applicable City ordinances, policies, procedures, and regulations related to utility billing and customer service and remains current on updates and changes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• One (1) year of related experience, including customer service and accounts receivable experience, preferably in a utility billing or municipal environment;

OR

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Accounts receivable principles and basic accounting practices;
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP);
• Basic cash-handling and cash management procedures;
• City ordinances and policies related to utility billing;
• Computerized utility billing and accounting systems;
• Standard office equipment and software applications.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computerized cash registers, fax machines, copiers, ten-key calculators, postage machines, mail inserters, and personal computers;
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, data inquiry, and customized utility billing software;
• Provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment;
• Accurately handle and reconcile cash and electronic payments;
• Resolve customer issues effectively, negotiate solutions within established policies, and identify and correct account discrepancies;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, and the general public;
• Enter and maintain accurate data with strong attention to detail;
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously;
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and reliability.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.

Estimated hiring hourly range: $18.80-$28.20