Assistant Account Manager - City of Gulfport

Assistant Account Manager

Department: Utility Billing 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hourly Salary: $18.41 - $19.35

Position Overview

Under general direction of the Utility Billing Manager, this individual assists the Utility Account Manager with performing the banking functions of the Utility Billing department and assists with the preparation of financial information for recurring reports.

Essential Job Functions
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the American with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties maybe assigned.
• Assists with maintaining all utility billing banking; online banking, EFT, lockbox, phone payments, and daily banking deposits.
• Interacts with internal and external citizens/customers, departments, and governmental agencies, through various ways: face to face, by phone, by electronic mails responding to account and billing inquiries and adjustments, requests for service and other issues related to water utility services.
• Performs routine accounting work; balance, post, deposit daily, receipt of customer payments via mail, by credit card, online, and in person along with the posting of cash receipts utilizing utility software, invoicing and accounts receivable documentation, maintenance and reconciliation. Safeguards cash/checks.
• Assists with managing customers' accounts; including updating accounts with EFT data, canceling and removing info of EFT data per customer request.
• Performs basic clerical work including, but not limited to typing, filing, and organizing, record keeping, mathematics and accounting techniques and principles.
• Assists with coordinating with banking institution when file errors occur or reconciliation issues arise.
• Documents details of all transactions: complaints, comments, and inquiries from customers, and maintains confidentiality of information.
• Completes work and projects in a thorough and timely manner with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Assists with accepting and processing E-billing forms/set up in system.
• Assists with AMS Collections reporting and government payments (EDI).
• Assists with handling Web payment exceptions, bank transfers, billing journal entries, and automated adjustments.
• Assists with correcting misapplied payments by reversing and applying to correct account/customer.
• Assists in the monthly balancing of the utility billing bank statements upon request from the accounting department.
• Assists Customer Service Representatives by reviewing records, helps to determine cause of discrepancies, problems or errors, and recommends the necessary corrective action.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Exceptional customer service skills that involves receiving and responding to customers concerns and needs in order to make sound judgments.
• Exceptional communication skills by the ability to communicate effectively with face-to-face, phone customers, government agencies, and internal departments with a clear and concise understanding.
• Possess exceptional organization skills by completing assignments with accuracy and in a timely manner.
• Possess proficiency in Microsoft Office software; Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to understand and follow directions from manager.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with customers, co-workers and others providing feedback and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make mathematical computations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to use analytical thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea and follow-up.
• Ability to follow a systematic method of performing a task.
• Ability to multi-task in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to interpret rules, policies, and procedures and apply city, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations.
• Make sound judgments while adhering to city ordinances and codes.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Knowledge of municipal accounting or banking procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of computers, networks, communications, and business software applications.
• Ability to analyze complex financial transactions.
• Ability to communicate with other departmental staff and maintain an effective working relationship with others.

Education and Experience
College degree with coursework in accounting, business, or computer technology preferred. Experience with utility billing practices or banking is preferred. Three to five years of high-volume cash handling and customer service experience required.

Required Licenses or Certificates
Must possess a valid Mississippi driver's license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 10+ pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are indoors.