CITY OF KALISPELL
JOB DESCRIPTION
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Class Title: Utility Billing Clerk
Department: Finance
Union: American Federation of State, City Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Salary: $20.35 hr.
Benefits: 100% paid health insurance for employee & reduced rates for dependents. State retirement plan, 3-weeks’ vacation, paid sick leave, 10 State and Federal holidays. This position may be participating in a *VEBA program.
FSLA: Non-Exempt
Date: November 18, 2024
GENERAL CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs clerical, administrative, and data processing work in the billing of utility and other public services which requires frequent interaction with the public.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES (85%):
Strong emphasis on excellent customer service skills. Receives telephone calls and citizen visits concerning utility billings or services; handles questions and matters of a more technical nature; responds to citizen complaints.
Processes meter reading data; prepares and mails utility bills; maintains current customer account files.
Process auto-pay and update.
Pursues collection of delinquent utility accounts, including preparation and mailing of final notices, shut-off and turn-on orders, establishing and monitoring payment schedules, customer follow-up account research, preparing liens and write-offs.
Reconciles cash drawer daily.
Reads computer files or gathers records such as meter books, purchase orders, invoices, work orders, etc. to compile needed data.
Enters information into computer and computes amounts due. Prepares invoices.
Maintains sundry accounts receivable, bills invoices, prepares monthly reconciliation of sundries.
Posts transactions to accounting records such as work sheet, ledger, or computer files. Reconcile transactions summary to General Ledger.
Processes work orders for utility disconnections, reconnections, new orders, and other public works service requests.
Coordinates utility office operations with other staff.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES (15%):
Cashier for other City revenues; revenues of the building department, revenues of the parks department, etc.
Serves as back-up for some functions of the City Treasurer.
Serves as back-up for the Accounts Payable position.
May be responsible to pick up, deliver and sort City mail.
General filing of checks, receipts as needed.
Answer and directs City phone.
Other duties as assigned.
D. GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY:
a. It is expected that every employee should be on time, fully prepared, every day the employee is scheduled to work. We expect every employee to strive for perfect attendance.
b. Work assignments are made orally and in writing. Work is performed with considerable independence in judgment and decision making, within established policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and guidelines. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, and periodic reports and for results obtained.
c. These duties are typical for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of the Finance Director or designee.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.
G. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience):
a. Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent with specialized course work in general office practices such as typing, accounting, data processing;
b. Two years’ experience in an office environment;
c. Two years college level accounting; or
d. Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that meets the desired minimum qualifications.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
a. Knowledge of computers and electronic data processing applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word;
b. Knowledge of general ledger accounting principles;
c. Knowledge and understanding of accounting software for billing accounts receivable;
d. Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures;
e. Skilled and proficient in computer applications including Excel and Word;
f. Skilled in operating listed tools and equipment;
g. Ability to manage money and be bonded;
h. Ability to maintain effective accounting procedures;
i. Ability to conduct assigned projects to their completion;
j. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
k. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public, including dealing with angry or difficult customers;
l. Ability to perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly;
m. Ability to work under pressure and with frequent interruptions;
n. Ability to explain utility billing rates and assist customers;
o. Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and must be detail oriented;
p. Ability to learn custom accounting software program.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Computers for billing systems, 10-key calculators, phone, fax, printers, copy machines and cash registers.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to carry boxes of water bills. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The work area is an open public area.
The regular schedule is 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., with a 1-hour lunch. Management reserves the right to change the schedule for business-related reasons at any time.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
a. Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
b. The duties listed above 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.
c. Kalispell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
d. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
*VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) is a tax-exempt health reimbursement account used by employees and their eligible dependent to pay for eligible medical expenses. The plan is funded by an employee’s sick and/or vacation banked hours upon leaving City employment.
POSTING DATE: November 19, 2024
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
NOTICE!
ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
A CITY APPLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM:
THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITH THE CITY OF KALISPELL, 201 1ST AVENUE EAST, KALISPELL, MONTANA, OR
Approval: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Department Head/Supervisor
Approved: __________________________________ Date: ____________________________
Human Resources Director
Approval: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________
City Manager/Hiring Authority
Revised 11/19/24
