Bookkeeper/Customer Service Representative)

Job Summary:
The Bookkeeper/Customer Service Representative is responsible for interacting with the District’s customers by addressing inquiries and resolving complaints as well as maintaining the District’s financial records.
Duties/Responsibilities:

Customer Service:

• Interacts with customers via telephone, email, or in person to provide assistance, information and resolution regarding all facets of the water and sewer industry to include billing inquiries, usage trends, water quality issues, payment inquiries and other utility specific issues.
• Fields customer questions and complaints; when the issue is beyond the representative’s knowledge or expertise, escalates to superintendent.
• Schedules work orders for field staff and performs subsequent follow up actions.
• Maintains records of customer interactions with details of inquiries, complaints, or comments.
• Maintains all customer accounts using utility software including adding and closing customer accounts, billing adjustments, etc.
• Negotiates customer payment arrangements.
• Issues disconnection notices, lien notices, etc. and subsequent follow up documents.
• Performs all job duties in accordance with District policy and MPUC rules.

Accounts Receivable:

• Bills entire customer base on a quarterly basis using utility billing software.
• Performs necessary adjustments to customer accounts.
• Receives all payments both in Quickbooks and in utility billing program.
• Performs daily deposits into District accounts.
• Respond to inquiries by outside agencies regarding payment assistance, customer complaints, etc.

Accounts Payable:

• Responds to all vendor inquiries regarding accounts payable.
• Enters all invoices into Quickbooks, following MPUC chart of accounts.
• Generates weekly payroll.
• Generates weekly check run and pays online bills as appropriate.
• Performs monthly bank reconciliation.
• Generates monthly financial statements.
• Files weekly, monthly and quarterly tax forms (sales tax, payroll tax, etc.).
• Maintains all District records in preparation for annual audit.

Miscellaneous:

• Assistance with completion of regulatory financial reports (PUC, USDA, DWP, etc.).
• Responds promptly to all supervisor requests for correspondence, office documents, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned in accordance with District policy, MPUC rules and District Terms and Conditions.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills including active listening.
• Service-oriented and able to pleasantly resolve customer grievances.
• Ability to maintain composure in potentially hostile conversations.
• Exceptional ability to multi-task.
• Above average knowledge of Quickbooks online.
• Basic knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices.
• Excellent Microsoft Office/Microsoft Outlook skills.
• Above average computer skills with the ability to learn new software.
• Familiarity with Maine Public Utilities Commission helpful, but not necessary.

Education and Experience:

• Associates degree preferred. Business/accounting major a plus.
• Customer service experience required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $21.80 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person