DEFINITION: The Utility Billing Analyst is responsible for overseeing all utility billing and meter reading functions, as well as playing a key customer service role, including dealing with difficult customer inquiries and problems. The position will also coordinate closely with administration and field staff in the execution of his or her duties.

Other responsibilities include ensuring the integrity of the Authority's billing and meter reading systems and processes, including maintaining accurate billing, payment and customer accounting records; identifying and troubleshooting problematic meters; managing service requests; and developing analyses and reporting for Authority staff.

This position will also be instrumental and the key driver behind the Authority's re-metering project including formulating and establishing the new meter collection system to provide the Authority with real time meter data and associated reporting capabilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Utility Billing Analyst will have a solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles as well as internal controls, and have demonstrated experience in an accounting, billing, or other comparable role where accuracy is critical.

The position will be held accountable for accurate and timely billing and meter reading; and must also be able to act independently and proactively to identify and troubleshoot problems.

Candidate must be able to work independently, but must also be comfortable in working in a Customer Service role.

The Utility Billing Analyst must also possess strong systems, analysis, and report writing skills.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Understand and work effectively with a utility billing software system.

Prepare monthly and bi-monthly utility bills and other related bills and notices including final bills, past due notices, shut-off warning notices, and shut-offs.

Process new or cancelled accounts, meter changes, or other similar utility billing activities as required.

Serve as key liaison with outside billing vendors to ensure that billings are accurate and are processed expeditiously.

Receive and respond to staff and customer queries on billings, meter readings and other customer service issues.

Research, interpret, and analyze account history to resolve billing questions on meter readings.

Handle customer questions, problems or complaints in an efficient and friendly manner, verify that any underlying systematic or process issues have been addressed. Exercise independent judgment to resolve them.

Oversee meter reading process, interact with field/meter reading crew including scheduling, prioritizing routes to be read, and preparing handheld and other devices for meter reading process. Investigate and resolve any problems discovered.

Develop analyses, queries, and reports to troubleshoot problematic meters.

Manage Service Request process, ensuring that all service requests (including meter re-reads, "ins and outs", etc.) are being handled expeditiously by Authority staff, and are properly recorded in the Authority's systems.

Periodically review, maintain, and manage routes for meter readings including implementing recommendations for the efficient collection of the Authority's routes.

Evaluate areas for improvements to the meter reading process. Play key role in recommending (and implementing) future enhancements such as automated meter reading or advanced metering infrastructure.

Serve as the in-house expert for the utility billing program and meter reading systems, devices, and software; ensure that the Authority is maximizing the features of the devices/systems.

Plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize assigned tasks to meet deadlines successfully.

Perform a wide range of customer service functions with efficiency and accuracy and apply good judgment in recognizing scope of responsibility.

Plan, rganize, coordinate, and prioritize assigned tasks to meet deadlines successfully.

Regularly attend training to develop understanding of all aspects of utility billing and meter reading software/systems; train other employees as required.

Analysis and Reporting

Serves as a resource in designing and developing reports and analyses for staff, particularly in the utility billing area.

Compiles reports and necessary documents, spreadsheets, historical data, billing account statements and other information to respond to staff and customer inquiries, as required.

Prepares a monthly reporting package of key statistical data for management as required.

Prepare month-end closing and adjustment entries; account reconciliations; month-end reporting, as required.

Create and review audit reports to troubleshoot and resolve billing or meter reading issues. Perform analyses/audits of data to ensure accuracy of reporting and billing.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, business, or systems/IT/engineering or college level accounting or business coursework; (comparable work experience would be considered)

• 2+ years of experience in a billing system/customer service environment (or comparable work experience).

• Strong MS Office skills. report writing skills a plus.

• Experience in a public utility/agency in a customer service role is a plus.

• MS Excel proficiency is required.

Starting salary range $50,000 - $70,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

Any candidate offered a position with the Bradford City Water Authority will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

CLOSING DATE: May 17th, 2024.

For confidential consideration, please mail your resume and cover letter to:

Steve Disney, Executive Director

Bradford City Water Authority

28 Kennedy Street

Bradford, PA 16701

BCWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer