UTILITY/FINANCE CLERK I

JOB SUMMARY

Performs routine clerical, administrative, and data processing work in the billing of utilities and in administering accounts payable and cash collection functions of the city. This position will be cross-trained in both areas and will have primary responsibility for one area.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reads computer files or gathers records such as meter books to compile needed data. 2. Enters information into computer that will compute amounts due. 3. Prepares utility statements. 4. Posts transactions to accounting records such as work sheet, ledger, or computer files. 5. Processes work orders for utility disconnections, reconnections, new orders, and other public works service requests. 6. Processes meter reading data; prepares and mails utility bills; maintains current customer account files; assists in reconciling utility billing activity with the general ledger. 7. Receives telephone calls and citizen visits concerning utility billings or services; handles questions and matters of a more technical nature; responds to citizen complaints. 8. Pursues collection of delinquent utility accounts, including preparation and mailing of final notices, shut-off and turn-on orders, establishing and monitoring payment schedules, customer follow-up account research. 9. Balances cash on hand against daily receipts. 10. Enters invoices into vendor files and maintains master vendor list. 11. Processes invoices for payment; matches invoices with purchase order; checks all claims for accuracy; verifies account codes for proper assignment of budget expenditure; verifies extensions on invoices. 12. Enters accounts payable expenditures into financial system. 13. Assists in reconciling general ledger to various expenditures reports. 14. Prepares periodic financial, statistical or operational reports as assigned. 15. At least once a month, prepares utility bills and final notices or prepares accounts payable for payment and handles cash collections. 16. Collects utility deposits, miscellaneous and utility payments and posts to Cash Collections.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Provides clerical support to other finance staff as required. Composes, types, and edits a variety of correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other material requiring judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness. Serves as back-up to other Utility/Finance Clerk position.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A) Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with specialized course work in general office practices such as typing, accounting, data processing; and (B) Two (2) years of increasingly responsible related experience; or (C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing; working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; (B) Skill in operating listed tools and equipment; (C) Ability to perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly; Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; Ability to establish successful working relationships; Ability to work under pressure and/or frequent interruptions; Ability to work with angry or difficult customers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be bondable.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Central financial computer, 10-key calculator, phone, base radio, fax and copy machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves sitting, talking hearing, using hands to feel or operate objects and reaching with hands and arm. The employee is occasionally required to walk. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; drug screen; job related tests may be required; final selection and pre-employment medical examination. NOTE: Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.