Accounting Technician-Utility Billing

Individuals assigned to this position maintain the billing of all City water/sewer and storm drainage utility accounts. Responsibilities include preparing dispatches for Meter Reader, managing computerized billing system for all utility billing activities, preparing and distributing bills, adjusting bills as authorized by the Accounting Manager, and handling customer inquiries and complaints. Individuals assigned to this position must also review accounts for misapplied payments, billing errors, address corrections, discount eligibility and lien-related activities. Work is reviewed for accuracy, conformance to established procedures and use of independent judgment.

Essential Functions:

Includes but is not limited to such essential functions as listed below:

• Establish and maintain files on individual customer accounts, including edits, dispatches, data sheets, refunds, adjustments, bill stubs, and correspondence. Research accounts for billing and/or consumption history.
• Coordinate daily activities of meter reader with Public Works and Information Services staff. Dispatch meter reader for repair of meters and new meter installations; initiate adjustments, final readings, refunds, turnoffs for non-payment, sewer connection charges, repair of leaks etc.
• Coordinate and monitor data transfers between various City information systems, including hand-held meter-reading units; generate and review various computer printouts and reports for problems and inaccurate information, including but not limited to, edit printout, consumption register, dispatch register, adjustment register, bill register, meter installation/change register.
• Identify unusual usage patterns and order meter re-reads as appropriate. Submit proposed billing adjustments to the Accounting Manager for approval.
• Maintain system for administering the City’s utility rebate and discount program in accordance with Lynnwood Municipal Code.
• Monitor all accounts for misapplied payments, billing issues, and credit card activity. Take appropriate action regarding delinquent accounts, to include sending of related correspondence, initiating of turn-offs, etc. Work closely with other department staff to resolve problems.
• Respond to customer inquiries taken by phone or in person, such as final bill requests, payment arrangements and service calls. Review customer accounts and answer questions. Compose and type routine letters to customers. Coordinate and monitor payment arrangements with customers.
• Set up new parcel information and service addresses, meter change outs and coordinate with Public Works to set up new accounts related to annexations.
• Issue hydrant user permits; establish and maintain ledger card for hydrant users on a monthly basis; coordinate record-keeping and billing of water usage on all hydrant permits; coordinates inspection of back flow certification with Public Works staff.
• Review all incoming correspondence, research issues as required and respond as appropriate.
• Sort and send utility bills weekly.
• Process and distribute reports to Alderwood Water District for billing of unmetered accounts.
• Maintain regular attendance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field plus one (1) year directly related experience or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Additional Information:

This position is represented by Local 3035, Council 2, Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME / AFL-CIO.