Description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Utilities Billing Manager is responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely billing of utility services, ensuring
compliance with regulatory standards and published rules and regulations. The manager will collaborate with
various departments, such as finance, customer service, and metering operations, to maintain efficient billing
processes, handle inquiries, and resolve any discrepancies or issues that may arise.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Billing Process Management:

• Oversee the end-to-end utility billing cycle for services (water, sewer, electricity, sanitation, etc.).
• Ensure accurate data collection and entry into billing systems.
• Review and approve final billing statements, invoices, and related documents.
• Coordinate with the metering department to ensure that billing software and systems are functioning properly
  and are updated regularly.
• Strictly follow the billing schedule to ensure that customer bills are processed timely and consistently.
• Accurately implement all utility rate changes or updates.
• Delegate tasks and monitor workload distribution to ensure timely and efficient processing.

Discrepancy Resolution:

• Address and resolve any customer inquiries or complaints related to billing issues, including overcharges,
  undercharges, and incorrect meter readings.
• Investigate billing discrepancies and take appropriate action to correct errors. Coordinate with internal
  departments (operations, customer service) to ensure smooth issue resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare and analyze detailed billing reports. Provide regular updates to senior management on billing accuracy.
• Identify trends, inefficiencies, inaccuracies and areas for process improvement to optimize billing operations.
• Continuously evaluate and improve billing processes, systems, and workflows to enhance accuracy and reduce
  errors.
• Manage automated customer communications through billing software.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Work:

• Work closely with the finance team to ensure alignment between billing data and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with metering operations to resolve issues related to meter reading and service interruptions.
• Ensure effective communication with customers regarding their billing status and any changes to service
  charges or billing procedures.
• Assist the customer service team in handling customer inquiries and providing timely responses.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

KNOWLEDGE of, SKILLS AND ABILITIES to:

• Proficient in database management, data analysis, and reporting, with a proven ability to adapt to technical
  challenges.
• Skilled in data analysis techniques, including statistical analysis, trend identification, and predictive modeling.
  Strong proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel, Smartsheet).
• Familiar with data management software and database querying languages.
• Ability to identify issues, propose solutions, and implement process improvements for data workflows.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Capable of planning, organizing, and managing programs and projects to meet deadlines.
• Strong ability to follow written and oral instructions and learn new tools quickly.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous in collecting, validating, and interpreting large volumes of data with high accuracy.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable visualizations for non-technical stakeholders.
• Effective in both team environments and independently, with strong leadership skills.
• Flexibility to work alternative schedules as needed to support operational staff.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for data-related problems.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, analyses, and documents.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal facilitation and communication skills.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in utility billing or a similar field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or
  managerial role.
• Experience with utility billing software.
• Solid understanding of data analytics concepts, statistical methods, and data manipulation techniques.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of utility industry regulations and best practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Environment: Mobility to work in typical office settings and use standard office equipment. Ability to interact
  effectively with others and adapt to high-stress situations.
• Physical: Ability to perform heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), prolonged standing or sitting, and physical activities
  such as crawling, pushing, and climbing. Work may involve uneven terrain and requires stamina for sustained
  physical exertion.

Summary

The City of Starkville, is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION employer. Candidates are considered for employment with the City, without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

A drug screen is required for this position.