Utility Billing Coordinator

Job Summary

The position is responsible for maintaining a favorable image of the City of Cottage Grove while taking the lead role in the City’s Utility Billing operations, which includes water, sewer, stormwater, and streetlights.
The anticipated hiring range is $73,611 to $82,825 but is negotiable based on experience.

Essential Job Functions

Financial

• Prepare monthly finance reporting for revenue analytics, billed versus pumped, and other reporting.
• Review utility services billed in the Utility Billing software monthly for accuracy and compliance with City Fee Schedule.
• Assist in monthly reconciliation of various utility-related general ledger accounts.
• Ensure new rates are updated in Utility Billing software according to City Fee Schedule.
• Assist in year-end accruals for financial reporting and preparation of audit workpapers as it relates to Utility Billing.
• Assist in special projects related to Utility Billing including rate forecasting and monitoring of rates.
• Assist in the development and preparation of finance policies and procedures regarding Utility Billing.
• Review and provide recommendations on renewals to existing contracts for services related to Utility Billing including the outsourced mailing of utility bills.

• Oversee the Utility Billing cycle including monthly billing, usage analysis, daily receipting, and daily posting of payments.
• Ensure that utility bills are generated and disbursed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Oversee the opening, closing, and maintenance of customer accounts including proper recordkeeping.
• Manage the proper recording and updating of meter information and utility rates in the Utility Billing software.
• Manage the utility customer experiences, including customer’s online payment portal, responding as needed to email and voice mail inquiries and complaints, appropriate outreach to customers regarding ownership changes, appropriately address customer disputes and disagreements as needed, etc.

• Provide excellent customer service.
• Assist customers with online payments and account management.
• Answer customer inquiries as needed regarding utility bills, utility rates, and other related matters.
• Review and provide recommendations on renewals to existing contracts for services related to Utility Billing including the outsourced mailing of utility bills.

• Oversee the annual Utility Billing certification process.

• Perform all other necessary duties as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Three years professional accounting experience.

• Previous work experience in cyclical billing processes.
• General knowledge of utility operations.
• Municipal accounting experience.
• Excellent grammar and spelling skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of Utility Billing techniques and procedures.
• Understanding of fundamentals of financial analysis, reporting, and accounting functions.
• Knowledge of accounting systems, programs, and applications and use in maintaining financial records, statements, and reports.
• Excellent computer skills, including the ability to use, maintain, enhance, and implement financial software applications, databases, and spreadsheets, including Excel.
• Knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to tax and fee collections, reporting, and compliance issues of public jurisdictions.
• Understanding of City codes, ordinances, policies and procedures and the ability to accurately apply them to assigned work tasks.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, department heads, vendors, outside agencies, auditors, and the public.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to appropriately prioritize tasks and assignments.