Billing Specialist

Billing Analyst

The City of Farmers Branch is seeking a Billing Analyst to join their Finance Department. The salary range is $53,125.00 - $66,412.00 annually, and the position is located in Farmers Branch, TX. This is a full-time position with a continuous closing date.

Position Summary :

With minimal direction, analyzes, maintains, researches, and oversees processes related to billing. Prepares monthly utility bills, penalties, and cut-offs for various billing cycles. Coordinates with other City departments as needed. Provides excellent customer service to billing customers as needed.

Essential Job Functions :

Essential Job Functions represent 20%-50% of working time on a regular basis, subject to the varying demand of specific functions. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent. Regular, punctual attendance is essential for all functions listed below :

• Responsible for the daily and regular administrative functions of billing operations, including but not limited to :
• Responsible for the timely processing of functions related to utility and financial billings, including but not limited to utility bills, retiree insurance invoices, franchise fees, and other miscellaneous billings.
• Performs routine account maintenance by completing account adjustments, processing accounts for collections, and initiates and maintains recurring bank drafts. Receives payments and accurately and efficiently enters information for new customer accounts.
• Coordinates with collection agencies, bankruptcy attorneys, and community service organizations; works closely with Public Works, Utilities, and other City departments regarding billings, petty cash requests, and deposits; coordinates payment arrangements with customers.
• Processes additional tasks including but not limited to; water leaks, wastewater adjustments, cut-offs, tampering, tax exemptions, and assisting with rate studies and the annual financial audit.
• Coordinates with new and existing customers and internal service departments related to utility billing services and payments.
• Compiles customer usage data provided by the City's various utility departments and initiates the cycle bills for residential and non-Key Account commercial customers; includes processing of cycle clean-up within established timelines.
• Identifies and processes complex billing account adjustments within the department's MUNIS billing system; includes misreads, multi-month adjustments, cut-offs, and cross metered accounts.
• Notifies customers of payment delinquency, returned checks, or other issues with utility accounts as required. Performs payment reversal for returned checks and credit card bank drafts.
• Accurately enters, maintains, notates, and updates customer and payment data in computerized systems.
• Reviews exception lifting and communicates with Utilities and Public Works.
• Processes and monitors work order completion for service connects, disconnects, final bills, re-reads, and other meter reading / service-related needs. Prints and distributes disconnection letters as necessary.
• Effectively manages, develops, and supervises the functions and output of the Finance Customer Success Representative to include, but not limited to :
• The effective recruitment, selection, and onboarding of staff.
• Continual performance management of staff through evaluations, coaching, development, and other opportunities that promote growth, learning, engagement, and innovation.
• Demonstrates effective and professional leadership through active engagement, involvement, and equitable treatment of all staff members. Fosters a culture of collaboration and an innovative team mindset.
• Addresses employee relations issues such as written disciplines, investigations, terminations, and offboarding in collaboration with Human Resources and other staff members.
• Serves as the primary staff member responsible for the maintenance, reporting, and function of the related information systems related to billing and utilities.
• Coordinates with IT staff to develop testing and upgrade procedures for associated billing, utility, and other related systems updates.
• Coordinates with appropriate staff to configure, test, and report on ad hoc system or process changes, such as tiered billing calculations, rate changes, revenue trends, and more.
• Audits system information daily to assure all accounts, information, billing, payments, and other information is accurate and complete.
• Reviews data for correctness including but not limited to deposits and confirms revenue trends Implementation of any new fees as well as assistance with the rate studies.
• Other Job Functions are essential but represent less than 20% of working time on a regular basis. These are performed with less regularity but are considered essential. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent.
• Process write-offs and assists with year-end audit reports as well as analysis for variances.
• Reviews and processes non-complex departmental billings as requested.
• Receives and directs calls reporting outages and water / sewer leaks.
• Assists with other duties related to the essential functions above.

Education and Experience :

Required :

Background Requirements :

Candidates offered a position must successfully complete the following : A comprehensive criminal background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :