Accounts Receivable Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing the collection of revenue owed to the local government and ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of all accounts receivable transactions. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of municipal operations by processing payments, generating invoices, and providing exceptional customer service to residents and businesses. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Prepare, issue, and track invoices for various services, including utility, licensing, fees, and fines. • Ensure accuracy in billing calculations and compliance with established governmental rates and policies. • Enter payments directly into the financial system and reconcile variances in billing records. • Process incoming payments from residents and businesses through various methods (checks, electronic payments, credit cards) and maintain accurate records of transactions. • Apply payments to appropriate accounts, ensuring that funds are correctly allocated to outstanding invoices. • Monitor accounts for delinquency and initiate collection processes as necessary, working closely with the Utility Billing Customer Service Representative (CSR) Supervisor. • Serve as a point of contact for residents, businesses, and vendors regarding accounts receivable inquiries, payment issues, and public service questions. • Assist customers in understanding their bills and payment options while addressing any concerns or disputes in a timely manner. • Collaborate with other departments to resolve billing discrepancies and enhance customer satisfaction. • Maintain accurate and organized records of all accounts receivable transactions, including payment histories, aging reports, and supporting documentation. • Prepare and present periodic reports on accounts receivable collections, aging schedules, and financial trends for management review. • Assist in the preparation of financial statements and audit documentation related to accounts receivable. • Communicate effectively with other departments regarding billing processes, service changes, and updates in policies. • Maintain and monitor cash receipts and bank deposits related to accounts receivable. • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Finance Director. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Knowledge of basic bookkeeping procedures. • Knowledge of data entry procedures and computer functions. • Knowledge of general office procedures. • Knowledge of the techniques of establishing and maintaining files. • Knowledge of relevant city and departmental policies and procedures. • Skill in basic mathematical calculations. • Skill in written and oral communications. • Skill in operating a computer, typewriter, calculator, check printer, and copier. • Ability to perform duties with near perfect accuracy. • Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner and tolerate continuous interruptions. SUPERVISORY CONTROL: The Finance Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor reviews work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results. SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to perform accounts receivable duties. Successful performance in this position contributes to the financial accuracy of the budget and reports. Errors could result in financial losses to the city and negative public image. Complexity occurs in the need for accurate and complete information for accounting and auditing functions and waiting on payment approvals from different departments. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to perform light physical activities, including having sufficient strength to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Able to hear in-person; as well as distinguish radio and telephone conversations, recognize differences or changes in sound patterns and loudness or pitch. Attendance: Regular, predictable, consistent and timely attendance is an essential function of the position, in that the failure of such attendance undermines the City's ability to provide critical services to employees, the department and the public. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position works in an office environment. While performing essential duties of the job, employees work in an environment under constant deadlines, frequent interruptions and a high degree of contact with the employees. This position may be exposed to dust, cleaning fumes, and works around office equipment. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate. Some travel may be required to maintain training requirements. QUALIFICATIONS: • High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in accounts receivable or finance, preferably in a government or public sector environment. • Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and Outlook). • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a keen attention to detail. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders. • Knowledge of government accounting principles and regulations is a plus. Our Commitment to Fair Hiring: HireQuest does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or other legally protected group status in making hiring or employment decisions. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, industries, and abilities to join our team. HireQuest is a global workforce solutions provider offering everything from on-demand staffing to executive recruiting through our core brands: HireQuest Direct, MRINetwork, Snelling, and TradeCorp. Recognized by SIA as one of the "Largest Staffing Firms" and "Fastest Growing Staffing Firms," we take pride in building inclusive teams. To ensure every applicant has a positive experience, our hiring and interview process is designed to meet diverse needs. If you require a reasonable accommodation during your application or interview, please contact [email protected] .