Description
NATURE OF WORK
This classification involves technical work in computerized utility billing systems support, quality control, procedures development, reporting, systems implementation, and training.
Incumbents in this classification are responsible for planning and implementation of systems and systems training. Incumbents exercise significant responsibility as the reviewing authority for appropriateness of billing procedures for water, natural gas, and solid waste customers.
Emphasis in the work is on the development and implementation of reports, controls, procedures and systems which will ensure the quality of billing operations.
Incumbents also act as liaison between the City and its utility software vendor during implementation of billing system changes, upgrades and data conversions.
Incumbents exercise considerable independent professional judgment in solving problems, and are called on to develop and design new and revised procedures or systems as the need demands.
Supervision is received from a professional or administrative superior who reviews management reports, records and utility billing work for attainment of desired quality of results, adherence to professional accounting standards and program effectiveness.
Completed work is also subject to periodic internal or external audit.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Communicates directly with utility billing software vendor to resolve problems, implement system changes and programming, coordinate program and data conversions, and plan future changes
- Analyzes billing and bill calculation problems, and identifies causes or problems; advises superiors and adequacy of controls and solutions to complex administrative, accounting or technical problems;
works with software vendors and City staff to resolve billing and control problems
- Studies, develops, refines and recommends new or revised billing and utility accounting procedures; examines billing and accounting problems and recommends revisions in forms, account information, procedures, and reporting to improve productivity accuracy and clarity
- Reviews existing utility billing applications and reports to determine value, use, and necessary revisions; initiates, develops and prepares additional reporting required to ensure that proper controls and professional accounting standards are adhered to in all utility billing functions
- Assists Finance Department accountants in balancing, explaining, and reporting utility billing work and information; assists in researching and resolving complex and unusual problems
- Plans and implements new software modules relating to utilities
- Trains employees in new and existing computerized systems
- Performs related work as required
Requirements
EDUCATION
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Accounting, Finance or other related business discipline
- PROOF OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.)
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
- Three (3) years professional paid experience in troubleshooting and operation of enterprise (utility) billing systems
- Extensive experience and proficiency with various computer applications and software, including reporting functions
- Proven experience with Tyler Munis a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
Work Environment :
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and data center rooms and closets with some travel to different sites;
incumbents may be required to work extended hours including but not limited to evenings, weekends and holidays.
Sensory :
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through personal contact, the use of the telephone and / or other City-issued technology devices.
Physical :
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time;
to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist under desks and around furniture; to lift, carry, push, and / or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight up to 50 lbs.
to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard;
and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Occasional climbing on ladder or stool to reach or mount equipment.
Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Considerable knowledge of computer billing systems, operating activities and fiscal programs of the utility billing operations
- Knowledge of management principles and supervisory practices and procedures
- Knowledge of office methods and procedures and familiarity with the use of computers and standard office equipment
- Ability to troubleshoot and analyze the effectiveness of computerized utility billing applications, and design, propose, coordinate and implement necessary changes
- Ability to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate system changes and conversions relating to computerized utility billing applications
- Ability to manage a large quantity of diverse and highly complex utility billing, computer system, and financial analysis projects simultaneously and work each to its appropriate conclusion
- Ability to analyze complex accounting processes and problems and make effective recommendations to improve operations and resolve problems
- Ability to understand and interpret complex governmental procedures and regulations related to utility billing requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to perform detailed work involving written and numerical data
- Ability to participate effectively in the formulation of departmental policies and procedures
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees and City officials
- Proven experience with Tyler Munis a plus