Utility Billing Specialist

The Position

If you are passionate about providing top-notch customer service to external and internal customers, this might be the position for you!

The Utility Billing Specialist will be tasked with updating and maintaining all utility accounts including, but not limited to: generate monthly and final accounts receivable billings, perform and verify the export of confidential customer payment information to banking entities, calculate and issue refunds and adjust accounts as necessary, import confidential financial data and ensure proper posting of payments, reconciling, researching and curing variances; evaluate and prepare payments to vendors and create proper confidential files for export to banking entities to ensure proper payment of amounts owed.

Other opportunities may exist to learn additional skills in business licenses, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and passport processing.

This is a non-exempt, SEIU classified position. The classification is: Financial Services Specialist 2. There is one vacancy.

This posting will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed continuously starting August 18, 2021.

Please note: Experience and skills will be reviewed via the main application submission only. Resumes will not be accepted in place of the completed application. Please see the supplemental questions for the place to include your cover letter information.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties:

Provide outstanding customer service over the phone and, once the office opens, in person, to the City’s Utility Billing customers by preparing and explaining bills and utility charges, receiving payments and answering questions relating to the City’s utility billing function and utility rates, charges and funds, and provide information regarding water consumption, utility programs, services, policies and procedures.

Update and maintain all utility accounts including, but not limited to: generating monthly and final accounts receivable billings, perform and verify the export of confidential customer payment information to banking entities, calculate and issue refunds and adjust accounts as necessary, import confidential financial data and ensure proper posting of payments, reconcile, research and cure variances; evaluate and prepare payments to vendors and create proper confidential files for export to banking entities to ensure proper payment of amounts owed.

Coordinating with Public Works Field staff regarding UB service request, meter re-reads, and shut-offs; opening/closing customer accounts, new construction set ups, meter exchanges.

Accurately calculate and apply winter water average and ensure accurate customer billing.

Evaluate a customer’s credit and account history, making appropriate extension of credit through payment arrangements; perform payment collection duties including preparing delinquent accounts receivable notices and evaluating customer circumstances for potential termination of service. Provide bankruptcy write off and collection documentation. Prepare billing adjustments, reconciliation reports and journal entries to properly record the write-off of accounts owed.

Create a workplace that promotes the organizational values of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

Assist in creating a positive and supportive work environment with a culture of teamwork and communication.

Actively promote an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.

Perform duties outlined in the Financial Service Specialist 2 classification and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate’s Degree in accounting, business or a related field

Three or more years of progressive accounting experience, with at least one year in municipal government.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position

Applicants selected to move to the next stage of the process will be invited to an in-person skills assessment.

This assessment is expected to take place the end of August or early September.

Ability to pass reference checks, education verification, if applicable, and satisfy the requirements of a background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual Competency in English and any of the following: Spanish or Arabic or Korean or Vietnamese or Chinese or Russian or Japanese, including speaking, reading and writing.

Beaverton is a diverse city, boasting a large population of qualified persons, including women, veterans, Black, Indigenous and people of color, persons with disabilities, generational groups, persons who speak many languages and are of diverse national origins.

It is widely stated—and supported by studies—that candidates, especially women, are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The city’s talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We therefore encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.

Compensation

Wage Range: $22.60 – $30.28 per hour

Starting wage will be determined depending on relevant work experience as outlined in the Equal Pay Act. New hires who meet minimum requirements will start at step one. Higher steps may be offered to those who have additional years of directly related experience to the position.

The city pays the full retirement contribution to PERS; provides employees with an opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation retirement plan; makes available a public service loan forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement program; and offers excellent health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage.