JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Utility Billing Technician performs a variety of technical and customer-focused duties related to the accurate billing, collection, and reconciliation of municipal utility services. This position supports the daily operations of the Utility Billing division by processing service orders, maintaining customer accounts, resolving billing inquiries, and ensuring compliance with City policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. The Utility Billing Technician provides responsive customer service to residents and businesses while handling sensitive financial information with accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Analyze meter read data to ensure accuracy and corrects any discrepancies, as needed;
• Responsible for the preparation of accurate utility bills;
• Prepares, calculates and reviews billing and penalty notices to meet established deadlines and assess associated fees, as needed;
• Issues work orders for accounts showing low or no consumption for possible dead meters, as needed;
• Issues work orders for consumption at vacant accounts, as needed;
• Reviews customer account information for accuracy and ensures billing of all city field meters, as needed;
• Reviews and processes water leak adjustment requests;
• Perform billing adjustments by issuing credits or debits as needed;
• Processes meter change-out work orders, as needed;
• Enters final readings on closing accounts and generates final bill;
• Enters initial readings on new accounts from work orders;
• Assists with setting up and disconnecting fire hydrant accounts;
• Provides customer service on phone and in person; Answers questions from customers and city employees regarding fees etc., and refers customers to appropriate department if necessary;
• Assists customers, both residential and commercial, with obtaining new service, disconnecting and transferring service;
• Accepts payments for utility accounts and other fees charged by the City departments;
• Issues work orders for meter readers;
• Coordinates with meter technicians for field work; operates two-way radio to communicate with field crew for water leaks, sewer problems, etc. when necessary;
• Works closely with Meter Reading staff to ensure timely resolution of service requests and accurate meter readings prior to billing;
• Remains familiar with all sections of the City ordinance, which pertain to the utility billing function and stays current with changes and new policies; and
• Performs such other related duties as may be required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Statistics and Research Methodology, or a related field, with two (2) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and billing specialist experience in a metered utility (electric, water or gas; accounts receivable experience including customer service experience), preferably in a water utility environment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge: City’s utility billing software; utility billing policies and procedures; accounts receivable principles; generally accepted accounting principles; basic cash management procedures; City ordinances pertaining to the utility billing function; basic methods and techniques of statistical research and analysis; basic principles of data collection, collation, analysis, and dissemination; basic principles and procedures of record keeping; and Advanced Metering Infrastructure; and computerized accounting systems.

Skill/Ability: Plan, organize, and coordinate information retrieval and output; perform statistical analysis; analyze and prepare complicated reports for both inside and outside users; assess, evaluate and find solutions for billing, meter reading and customer service issues; ability to create advanced spreadsheets, charts, tables and graphs; advanced understanding of mathematical calculations; maintain effective working relationships and communications with City officials, the general public and co-workers, operate office equipment including computers and software; and the ability to provide superior customer service to internal and external customers.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Cedar Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. As an EEO employer, the City will conduct its staffing activities, selection, promotion, demotion, transfer, training, and separation in accordance with Federal, State, and Local EEO laws and regulations as they affect the City. The City of Cedar Park will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or disability.