POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, performs responsible administrative and supervisory work concerned with the Financial Services department’s customer service operations. Work involves the supervision of Utility Billing Division as well as other areas of cash collection; oversight of billing and collection software and hardware; analysis of division policies and procedures; significant customer interaction; collection of delinquent accounts; participation in rate study assignment. Work is performed with independence in judgment and decision-making within established laws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Incumbent may be required to work in excess of the standard 40-hour work week during critical periods. Work is reviewed through observation, conference meetings, reports, audits, and results obtained.  Performs other work as assigned or necessary to meet the needs of the divisions.

·         Responsible for supervising the collection and proper recording of City revenues and related.

·         Supervises, plans, assigns, directs and evaluates the work of Utility Billing Division subordinates.

·         Prepares revenue estimates of the Water and Sewer fund for annual budget preparation.  Monitors Water and Sewer fund revenues for variance from budget.

·         Responsible for providing data required for annual audit to the Director of Budget and Finance in a timely manner.

·         Actively participates in preparation of water and sewer rates studies.

·         Generates list of bad debts and coordinates bad debt write-off with Finance Manager for approval of Chief Financial Officer.

·         Submits written monthly activity reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

·         Determines needs and writes requests to the Chief Financial Officer for changes and/or additions relating to software, hardware or other technology needs with the input of the Utility Meter Data and Billing Supervisor.

·         Processes requests for equipment and supplies to support division activities.

·         Reviews and analyzes the flow of transactions in the divisions; makes recommendations for changes in procedures and best practices; drafts and recommends policies and procedures to the Chief Financial Officer.

·         Corresponds with customers, in person or in writing, to address policies, procedures, billing, collection, payment agreements or other account related transactions.

·         Determines if customers qualify for billing adjustments, calculates adjustments, prepares documentation to support decision, and presents regularly to the Chief Financial Officer.

·         Explains laws, rules, procedures and calculations to citizens, businesses, governmental agencies and City employees.

·         Compiles payroll data to ensure biweekly payroll balances.

·         Reviews and analyzes State and federal laws and regulations to ensure that all revenue is properly billed and collected.

·         Responsible for being knowledgeable of bankruptcy laws as it relates to billing and collection of customer accounts. 

·         Pursues collection of delinquent accounts by letter, telephone or in person in an effort to bring the account current.  Works with the Chief Financial Officer in collection efforts.  Works with the public negotiating payment agreements.

·         Sits on interview panels to make recommendations for new hires.

·         Writes and maintains a detailed and up-to-date training manual for subordinates.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

·         B.A. or B.S. degree in Accounting, Business or Finance from an accredited college, or the ability to obtain such degree within twelve months from selection.

·         Must have prior related work experience in accounting, financial management, or utility system financial operations. 

·         Minimum of five years’ of experience in utility operations or similar customer service operations and five years supervisory experience in a comparable size and complex organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

·         Knowledge of State laws and local ordinances pertaining to revenue collections.

·         Knowledge of City operations and relationship of Billing and Collection division to other City departments, divisions and programs.

·         Knowledge of and experience with computerized utility billing and collection systems.

·         Considerable knowledge of and experience with financial software programs, Microsoft Office Suite and web-based billing and collection software, preferably in Incode, or Tyler Technologies.