Water Business Office Administrator

at  AthensClarke County Unified Government

JOB RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, with occasional after hours work required.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC’s safe driving policy.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or related discipline with four (4) years public administration, billing/accounts receivable, management, or related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Two (2) years supervisory experience required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to obtain a Georgia Water Distribution License or Water Operator Certification within 12 months of hire.
Two (2) years of experience with AMI meter billing system software preferred.
Master’s Degree preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the operations and functions of the Public Utilities Department.
Knowledge of practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
Knowledge of Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Revenue Bond Official Statements and other standardized financial reports.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledge of and proficient with computers.
Knowledge of and the ability to become proficient with the AMI functions associated with customer billings and account information.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations, unified government policies and departmental policies, procedures and codes.
Knowledge of the Athens-Clarke County Personnel system.
Knowledge of public administration concepts as related to operating utility billing services, and of water and sewer rates and ancillary charges.
Knowledge of computerized AMI utility billing practices and procedures, and of accounting principles and procedures.
Knowledge and application of the complex Water Conservation Tier Billing Structure utilized by ACC and must possess the ability to explain the system to the customers a s they have questions regarding their accounts.
Analytical ability to evaluate all AMI System operations.
Skill in organizational, management, human relations, and technical techniques.
Skill in management, supervision, oral and written communication, and interpersonal communication.
Skill in operating office equipment including a computer, printer, calculator, typewriter, copier, mailing equipment, security system, two-way radio, telephone, and switchboard.
Skill in utilizing various billing, word processing, spreadsheet, and/or other software programs relevant to the position.
Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and AMI equipment needs and functions, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals.
Ability to develop and implement long term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency.
Ability to effectively communicate by oral and written means and interacts with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County as they relate to the Public Utilities Department.
Ability to assemble information and prepare written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures to related information.
Ability to handle complex mathematical and statistical calculations for consumption trends and future revenue projections. .
Ability to read, understand and interpret personnel and financial reports and related materials.

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, calculator, typewriter, copier, mailing equipment, security system, two-way radio, telephone, and switchboard. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare letters, memos, reports, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to individuals and/or to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including public utilities, accounting/budgeting and human resources terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit/loss, ratio/proportion, etc.; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, calculator, typewriter, copier, mailing equipment, security system, two-way radio, telephone, and switchboard.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated office equipment, office supplies, and computer supplies. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.

PURPOSE & JOB RELATED REQUIREMENTS

REPORTS TO: Assistant Public Utilities Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION: Regular Non-Merit; Serves at the discretion of the Department Director.

PURPOSE OF JOB

The purpose of this job is to perform administrative/supervisory functions associated with planning, coordinating, and supervising the operations of the Water Business Office Section operations of the Public Utilities Department (PUD). Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to supervising, billing and collections for Water and Sewer, collections for Storm Water and Solid Waste, and management of the Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) functions relating to customer service, billing and collections and historical account information management. Also responsible for the AMI performance on a day to day basis inclusive of ensuring data security, data accuracy, web–based interface with the customer, monitoring on-line payment, resolving customer complaints; developing policies and procedures; supervising assigned staff and performing additional tasks as assigned.

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS JOB. THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL-INCLUSIVE. OTHER DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND ASSIGNED.

Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, handles all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Manages the general operation of the Water Business Office including customer billing and collections, customer services relative to service initiation and terminations, AMI operations and Customer Call Center.
Develop and implement long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives for assigned areas: researches, assesses and develops strategies to meet current and future customer service needs.
Monitors capabilities of computer hardware and software for utility system reports and updates; serves as a liaison between divisional units and IT/software provider; recommends improvements to software; trains staff to utilize hardware/software capabilities to improve productivity and effectiveness.
Ensures the department’s billing and collection, customer service, and field service functions are managed effectively and in accordance with applicable city ordinances.
Reviews, monitors, and revises policies and procedures pertaining to billing and collection, customer service, and meter service functions; maintains accuracy of division’s policy manual by updating as necessary
Establishes accounts for Solid Waste Commercial customers.
Monitors the AMI System operations for leak detection, tamper detection and no use detection and ensures a correct interface with the PUD’s billing software and Customer’s web-based interface by way of the Customer Portals.
Manages the AMI data to facilitate the evaluations of accounts by meter size and category to ascertain seasonal usage patterns and peak demand ratios.
Monitors all methods of payment relative to cash, check, electronic, on-line and credit card, to ensure payment received and posted accurately to the customer’s account.
Identifies and implements financial processes to minimize external auditor’s finding of a material weakness or misstatement.
Resolves serious or complex customer complaints or inquiries not resolved by customer service staff.
Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure all customers are treated in a fair and courteous manner.
Functions as a member of the ACC Water Adjustment Board and provides historical account consumption, billing and payment information and recommends action to the Water Adjustment Board.
Works with the ACC Attorney as a representative of PUD in court cases requiring analysis of customer’s account data.
Determines and applies Customer Usage Allocation for new commercial, industrial and residential customers. Monitors, reviews and calculates required modifications once an annual average or a winter average has been established. Coordinates with PUD’s engineering staff in determining new users water demand based on customer class and historical data of similar users.
Reviews AMI identified leaks to respond to customer requests for leak adjustments to determine whether request meets guidelines of existing Ordinance or Water Business policies and procedures. Authorizes adjustments to customer accounts for water and sewer and solid waste customers.
Arranges payment plans with customers as needed; performs follow-up to ensure customer compliance with agreement.
Calculates surcharges for industries based on test reports submitted from Environmental Compliance Section.
Responsible for all industrial and commercial accounts with special billing needs or modification due to cooling towers, master accounts compilation and or sewer flow meters.
Coordinates new meter installations and meter repairs with Meter Management Section to ensure entry to billing system for customer billings, Coordinates meter repairs to ensure customer accounts effected by ACC leak issues are adjusted in a timely manner.
Coordinated the delivery of billing data to the subcontractor and ensures billing occurs accurately and on time. Establishes and maintains system controls in utilities billing and identifies and recommends modifications in the billing system.
Maintains new rates changes in the utility billing system.
Attends training sessions, conferences and seminars to remain abreast of software updates for future enhancements and makes recommendation for implementation.
Prepares statistical reports regarding actual and anticipated revenues from data derived from the billing software for forecasting future water use.
Performs analytical comparison between projected and actual water usage for Bond information to fund PUD’s Capital Program.
Compiles verifiable data for publication in a) ACC’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, b) Revenue Bond Official Financial Statement and c) Financial Disclosures.
Utilizes the billing software to determine the largest users of the ACC water distribution and sewer collection system.
Responds to requests from other ACC Departments for financial and or statistical information regarding the Water Business Data Base.
Prepares annual budget for both Water Business Office; monitors expenditures under current budget.
Establishes and proctors procedures and practices to ensure that all operations of the Water Business Office conform to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
Develops, implements and ensures compliance with operating policies and procedures for the Water Business Office.
Receives and/or prepares reports, correspondence, forms and other documentation; reviews, processes, and/or forwards as appropriate; maintains records; performs other clerical duties.
Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Performs the duties of other Water Business Office staff as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.