CITY OF MILBANK
Position: Utility Clerk
Department: Finance
Reports To: City Administrator or Finance Officer
Grade: Full Time | Non-Exempt | Pay DOQ
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Location: Milbank City Office 
Prepared by: Steve Pendergrass, City Administrator

Job Description

Position Summary
The Utility Clerk plays a vital role within the Milbank administration team, performing various operational and customer service duties related to utility billing and payment collection. This position  is the key first point of contact for the public and involves processing utility bills, managing payments, assisting with accounts payable, and handling general office tasks. The Utility Clerk must be able to handle sensitive information with professional care and discretion. 

Essential Functions

• Respond to routine questions from vendors, employees and the public regarding payments, billing, and account status.
• Operate utility billing software to perform intake and setup from customer utility accounts and other billing accounts; ensure accuracy of customer data. 
• Prepare  and send monthly utility bills timely. 
• Run reports including billing registers, past-due account listings, daily payment schedules, and monthly consumption reports.
• Calculate final utility bills and stay informed on rates.
• Assist with new customer setups and service charges.
• Collect customer payments: cash, check credit cards and manage accurate customer account postings and deposits.
• Be knowledgeable and enforce city regulations regarding late payments and disconnections.
• Manage accounts receivable, prepare sales tax reports, and ensure accurate financial tracking.
• Issue golf cart permits as required.
• Handle mail daily.
• Assist financial processes: account payable and month-end financial procedures, by compiling data, preparing reports, and reconciling accounts as directed. 
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the City Administrator or Finance Officer.

Competencies

• Confidentiality and Professionalism
• Dependability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Ability to solve problems independently.
• Proactive and solution oriented.
• Interpersonal skills for interacting with the public and colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial recordkeeping
• Experience working with financial or accounting software; familiarity with municipal financial systems preferred.
• Basic knowledge of city ordinances and regulations.
• Accurately enter numerical data using a 10-key keypad.
• Ability to implement and adhere to office policies and procedures.
• Ability to educate the public on City Office and Utility Billing functions.
• Analytical skills to assess and improve office operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive professional working relationships with officials and the public.
• ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening. 

Supervisory Responsibility

• No supervisory duties.

Work Environment

• Primarily indoor work.

Physical Demands

• Requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, twisting, squatting, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and operating office equipment.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package details provided during interview.

Travel

• Minimal travel required.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Accounting or Finance is preferred, but not required. 
• Valid driver’s license (must be obtained prior to hire).