Accounting Specialist (Utility Billing)

Under the immediate supervision of the Office Supervisor and general direction of the Deputy Director of Finance, engages in general accounting office duties requiring good judgment and decision making in the application of standard departmental procedures. Special emphasis is placed on the ability to learn department functions thoroughly, utilize technology and communicate well with the community and coworkers.
  
Essential Functions
Accounting Specialist I (entry level)

• Perform various municipal accounting operations to include processing income tax returns and/or utility service applications. 
• Assist citizens and City employees by answering questions and providing information about utility and/or tax services via the phone, e-mail and in person. 
• Respond to and resolve inquiries and concerns from citizens and other agencies. 
• Prepare various written correspondence to citizens and businesses addressing questions, tax returns and requests for information. 
• Maintains records efficiently and accurately and prepares clear and concise reports. 
• Processes cash and non-cash payment transactions ensuring accuracy; reconciles transactions and balance reports.

• Perform various municipal accounting operations to include budget compliance tasks within the general ledger accounts receivable, accounts payable, specialty assessment and payroll sections.

• Act as team lead and provide assistance, guidance or training to Accounting Specialist I & II employees regarding day-to-day operations.

• Knowledge of computer operations and equipment. 
• Basic knowledge of accounting practices and procedures. 
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software. 
• Knowledge of current electronic communication methods including email, social networking, and other forms of electronic communication.
• Knowledge of City codes and ordinances pertaining to income tax collections and/or utility ordinances.

• Effective communication with departmental staff and citizens. 
• Excellent attention to detail and maintaining a high level of accuracy over extended periods of time. 
• Excellent time management and prioritizing workload.

• The ability to evaluate and analyze customer needs to provide exceptional customer services. 
• The ability to respond courteously to customer inquiries, which are sometimes controversial or adversarial. 
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, supervisory personnel, associates and the general public. 
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• The ability to perform detailed work involving written and numerical data and to follow complex oral and written instructions. 
• The ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately. 
• The ability to operate a personal computer and related software / programs required to perform essential functions of the position; including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, websites, etc. 
• The ability to perform duties accurately and efficiently under time sensitive deadlines. 
• The ability to learn and explain regulatory compliance issues related to the assigned department / division's function. 
• The ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or instructions.

• The primary duties of this position are performed in a public office-building environment. 
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone. 
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review, evaluate, and prepare a variety of written materials and documents. 
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and a personal computer. 
• Sufficient mobility and flexibility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment.
• Sufficient ability and strength to lift, carry, or otherwise move objects up to twenty (20) pounds for varying distances. 

Accounting Specialist I:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency required.
• One year of previous experience in a financial transaction and customer service field.
• Must be honest, dependable and trustworthy.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency required
• Two to three years of previous experience in a financial transaction and customer service field.
• Must be honest, dependable and trustworthy.  

• Associate degree, or equivalent required.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in an accounting or financial transaction and customer service field. 
• Must be honest, dependable and trustworthy.
• Ability to provide positive leadership, guidance and training to team members.

This position is part of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees agreement.  Details about the compensation and benefits for this position can be found in the agreement by clicking here.

The class specification which appears above is intended to be sufficient merely to identify the class and be illustrative of the kinds of duties that may be assigned to the position allocated to the class and should not be interpreted to describe all of the duties which may be required of employees holding a position assigned to this class.
 
 The City of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), the City of Delaware will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with