Utiity Customer Accounts Clerk

Maintains utility customer accounts; Oversees delinquent utility accounts billing and disconnection process; Arranges for debt repayment or establishes repayment schedules.

The major task areas required to successfully perform this job.

Essential:      

     (x)

Weight:

(%)

1.

Maintain utility customer accounts

• Establishes new accounts
• Processes account transfers and closures
• Answers customers questions regarding billing, high water consumption, meter readings, and/or water leaks
• Prepares service orders for meter readings
• Prepares daily serviceman schedule
• Maintains accurate account information (returned mailed)
• Assists with entry of utility billing payments

X

40%

2.

Process collections on utility accounts

• Prepares disconnection directives; coordinates with field staff
• Process and mail disconnection notices for landlords
• Process and mail delinquent final bills
• Facilitates and maintains records for payment agreements
• Advises customers of necessary actions and strategies for debt repayment
• Coordinates with AR/Collections Clerk to pursue payment of bad debt;
• Coordinates with local, county, state and other agencies to provide utility assistance to customers who inquire for such services
• Submit delinquent water accounts to Illinois Debt Recovery account

X

40%

3.

Assist with customer assistance.  Greets customers and accepts payments for cash receipting. Researches and resolves customer inquiries and complaints. Responds to requests for copies of birth and death certificates.

X

15%

4.

Assumes other duties as apparent and assigned

X

5%

5.

Serves as back-up to Utility Billing Clerk

As needed

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s Degree in Accounting/Bookkeeping and/or 2-5 years previous accounting/bookkeeping experience preferred.
• 1-3 years clerical experience preferred.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills

·         Ability to manage multiple actions/projects simultaneously

• Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and exceptional follow-through; ability to interact effectively with the public and other City employees in person or via telephone
• Ability to communicate at all levels internally and externally
• Good use of English language – speaking, reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Ability to prioritize and work independently in a high-volume team environment
• Demonstrated PC skills; above average knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to use the Internet as a research tool
• Excellent typing skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to operate required office equipment in order to send and receive information with necessary optical, auditory and manual dexterity
• Ability to closely examine a computer screen or written reports and ability to proofread and check documents for errors
• Ability to use a keyboard to enter, retrieve or transform words or data
• Ability to walk, stand or sit for an hour or more at a time
• Ability to lift or carry objects weighting 5-20 pounds