Full-Time Utility Billing Clerk | Village of Westchester

Position Overview

The Village of Westchester is currently seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Full-Time Utility Billing Clerk to provide specialized administrative and customer service support for the Village’s utility billing and account management functions. Under the general supervision of the Senior Finance Clerk, the Utility Billing Clerk ensures the accuracy of customer accounts, processes payments, responds to inquiries, and supports the overall efficiency of our customer service operations. This position involves frequent interaction with residents, management of the utility billing system, and coordination with other Village departments to support high-quality service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage customer utility accounts by creating new accounts, verifying legal ownership and Village service eligibility, updating account information, researching account history, reconciling discrepancies, and ensuring utility charges are accurately assessed.
• Serve as a primary point of contact at the front desk by greeting residents and visitors, answering phones, assisting walk-in customers, processing utility payments, responding to billing inquiries, answering general questions regarding Village services, programs, and procedures, directing customers to the appropriate department, and providing courteous, professional customer service.
• Accept and process utility bill payments, balance daily receipts and cash drawer, prepare deposits, and maintain accurate financial records in accordance with Village procedures.
• Process account adjustments related to rate changes, bankruptcies, property transfers, multi-unit properties, and other account modifications while maintaining accurate customer records.
• Issue shut-off notices and coordinate service disconnections and reconnections in accordance with Village policies and billing schedules.
• Process liens related to delinquent utility accounts and maintain accurate records of collection and enforcement activities.
• Coordinate with the Public Works Department regarding meter inspections, replacements, and maintenance, including importing and verifying meter information within the utility billing system.
• Prepare, maintain, and update office files, databases, spreadsheets, reports, and other records related to utility billing operations.
• Collaborate with Village departments to resolve customer service issues, improve operational efficiency, and support general administrative functions as assigned.
• Foster positive working relationships with residents, contractors, and Village staff by providing courteous, professional, and solution-oriented customer service while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service skills and conflict management techniques with the ability to handle difficult or complex inquiries tactfully and professionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability to learn utility billing and financial software systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in cash handling, account reconciliation, and data entry.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of administrative support experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Ability to perform work in an office setting, use standard office equipment, sit for extended periods, occasionally lift and carry up to 10 pounds, and communicate effectively with the public and coworkers both in person and over the telephone.

Hours and Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The annual salary range for this position is $51,800.11 - $72,610.36 per year, with the starting wage dependent on experience. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Village offers a generous benefit package, including but not limited to:

• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Group medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension
• Access to voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans for additional retirement savings