UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST I/II

Job Description:

UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST I/II

Description

Job Details

Under general supervision, learns and performs the most complex financial duties requiring the application of highly responsible record keeping practices related to utility accounts; effectively provides difficult and complex customer service and public contact related to the billing of residential and commercial utility accounts; and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time experience performing financial, statistical, or document processing and recording duties.

Spanish-English bilingual skills are highly desirable.

UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST, SENIOR

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of previous work experience equivalent to a Utility Billing Specialist or Accounting Technician with the County of Lake.

Spanish-English bilingual skills are highly desirable.

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description, you have two options: Either visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecs or simply click on this link.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, learns and performs technical financial duties requiring the application of responsible record keeping practices related to utility billing accounts; effectively provides difficult customer service and public contact related to the billing of residential and commercial utility accounts; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry and first working level class in the Utility Billing Specialist series. Employees in this class learn and perform a variety of financial document processing duties requiring substantial knowledge of policies, procedures, and special requirements of Special Districts, including rate ordinances and the application of rate codes in conformance with the ordinances. Employees in this class may provide backup and technical support to the customer service and office staff as needed.

This class is distinguished from Utility Billing Specialist, Senior in that incumbents perform some of the work assignments in a training and learning capacity.

Positions in the Utility Billing Specialist series are flexibly staffed. Incumbents may advance to the higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from supervisory and/or management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Learns and performs a variety of technical fiscal support and recordkeeping duties associated with utility billing; learns to oversee the utility billing process from account setup to meter reading to charge calculation and bill print.
• Provides specialized assistance to the public and/or other County staff with difficult water and sewer billing issues on the phone and at the front counter, including utility rates and payments, billing records, recording procedures and functions, and related activities; responds to customer complaints in accordance with established policy.
• Learns and interprets County ordinances and regulations.
• Verifies the accuracy of a variety of records; learns to coordinate utility customer service-related investigations with other departments and agencies.
• Provides backup support and technical assistance to customer service and front office staff.
• Submits requests for field inspections to verify the status of utility services.
• Composes explanatory correspondence in order to respond to non-routine written or verbal customer inquiries.
• Processes service orders and adjustments to customer utility accounts.
• Ensures utility bills are accurate and timely.
• Inputs new rates as needed; performs testing and training for new functionality and rates prior to implementation.
• Reconciles daily utility accounts receivable.
• Updates and maintains records and information in computerized systems and databases.
• Maintains a variety of statistical or other specialized records, posting and updating the information to keep records current and accurate.
• Provides requisite data to other government agencies, as delegated.
• Operates a wide variety of standard office equipment, including personal computers.
• Utilizes a database, spreadsheets, and other special computer software.
• Performs special assignments related to the department and unit where assigned.
• May have responsibility for maintaining subsidiary ledgers.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Financial and statistical recordkeeping.
• Basic accounting principles.
• Basic regulations, procedures, policies, and rules related to utility billing.

• Good public relations techniques.
• Maintenance of files and information retrieval systems.

• Basic research techniques.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Modern office methods and procedures.
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Mathematics, including percentages and prorating.
• Written and oral communications skills.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Learn and perform a variety of technical financial, administrative, and customer support functions.
• Learn to analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
• Learn to perform specialized technical work using independent judgment.
• Read, interpret, and apply a variety of rules, regulations, and policies related to functions and services of the utility billing, including bankruptcy and collection laws.
• Accurately maintain and update a variety of records and information systems.
• Gather, organize, and summarize data and information.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff when explaining the regulations, functions, requirements, and policies of the utility billing.
• Type or use word processing software at an acceptable speed to meet production requirements.
• Proficiently use a variety of computerized spreadsheets, word processing, database, and specialized billing software in the performance of assigned work.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time experience performing financial, statistical, or document processing and recording duties.

Spanish-English bilingual skills are highly desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel, as necessary.

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

UTILITY BILLING SPECIALIST, SENIOR
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs the most complex financial duties requiring the application of highly responsible record keeping practices related to utility accounts; effectively performs difficult and complex public contact related to the billing of residential and commercial utility accounts; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey-level position in the Utility Billing Specialist position series. Employees in this position must have a thorough knowledge of water and sewer billing and all ordinances, policies, and procedures pertaining to both.

Incumbents in this position are distinguished from the Utility Billing Specialist by the performance of the full range of utility billing duties as assigned. Utility Billing Specialist, Senior incumbents receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of Special Districts and the individual service areas.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from supervisory and/or management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. This is not a supervisory or lead classification.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Performs a variety of complex fiscal support and record keeping work associated with utility billing.
• Provides specialized assistance to the public and/or other county staff regarding utility rates and payments, billing records, recording procedures and functions, and other duties as assigned.
• Interprets county ordinances and regulations and coordinates utility customer service-related investigations with other departments and agencies.
• Assists the public on the phone and at the front counter with issues about water and sewer billing.
• Responds to customer complaints in accordance with established policy.
• Handles the most difficult customers at the counter and on the phone.
• Submits requests for field inspections to verify the status of utility services.
• Composes explanatory correspondence in order to respond to non-routine written or verbal customer inquiries.
• Processes service orders and adjustments to customer utility accounts.
• Oversees the utility billing process from account setup to meter reading to charge calculation and bill print; ensures utility bills are accurate and timely.
• Inputs new rates as needed; performs testing and training for new functionality and rates prior to implementation.
• Handles daily utility accounts receivable reconciliation.
• Updates and maintains records and information in computerized systems and databases; maintains a variety of statistical or other specialized records, posting and updating the information to keep records current and accurate.
• Investigates problems and ensures the accuracy of a variety of records.
• Provides requisite data to other government agencies, as delegated.
• Uses spreadsheets and other special computer software.
• Performs special assignments related to the department and unit where assigned.
• Operates office equipment.
• May have responsibility for subsidiary ledgers.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Basic accounting principles and procedures.
• Financial and statistical record keeping.
• Regulations, procedures, policies, and rules related to utility billing.
• Rules and regulations pertaining to bankruptcy and collections.
• Good public relations techniques.
• Maintenance of files and information retrieval systems.
• Basic research techniques.
• Computers and software used in office, fiscal, and utility billing.
• Modern office methods and procedures.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Mathematics, including percentages and prorating.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of specialized financial, statistical, and analytical functions.
• Analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
• Perform specialized technical work involving independent judgment.
• Proficiently use a variety of computerized spreadsheets, word processing, and database software.
• Read, interpret, and apply a variety of rules, regulations, and policies related to the functions and services of the utility billing.
• Accurately maintain and update a variety of records and information systems.
• Gather, organize, and summarize data and information.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Type or use word processing software at an acceptable speed to meet production requirements.
• Operate a computer and use billing software and equipment in the performance of assigned work.
• Operate and use office equipment.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff when explaining the regulations, functions, requirements, and policies of the utility billing.
• Maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, customers, and clients.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of previous work experience equivalent to a Utility Billing Specialist or Accounting Technician with the County of Lake.

Spanish-English bilingual skills are highly desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel, as necessary.

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: 10/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$42,182.40 - $56,596.80 Annually