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Statement of Duties

The Utility Billing Manager is responsible for overseeing the utility billing functions for the Water and Sewer Department, including the development, management, and execution of billing processes, meter operations, and customer service. This position also involves ensuring accurate billing and financial reporting, developing procedures, overseeing staff, and maintaining effective communication with customers. The Utility Billing Manager will work collaboratively with other City departments, such as the Treasurer/Collector’s Office, Auditing, and Information Technology.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

+ Oversee and manage all aspects of water and sewer billing operations, including meter reading, billing cycles, adjustments, abatements, and payment processing.

+ Collaborate with Department leadership to maintain and update an automated meter reading system, ensuring accurate collection and transmission of data.

+ Provide guidance to the Water Meter Technicians to ensure timely and accurate meter installation, maintenance, and readings.

+ Develop and recommend policies and procedures to improve utility billing operations, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and laws.

+ Analyze billing data to identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and ensure customer bills are accurate.

+ Coordinate with the City Finance Departments to ensure smooth utility billing and financial processes.

+ Prepare detailed reports for management, including billing summaries, account status, usage trends, and financial analyses.

+ Supervise Billing Analysts; assign special projects, focus on learning & development in industry trends, professional certifications, and leverage technology to enhance accessibility and engagement.

+ Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and requests in a professional and courteous manner; address elevated constituent issues in a timely manner.

+ Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer account information and documentation for utility billing purposes.

+ Manage the preparation of budgets for billing operations and ensure the efficient use of resources.

+ Perform other related duties as required.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, public administration, or a related field is preferred, and seven to ten (7-10) years' experience with municipal utility billing systems, with at least three (3) in a supervisory position; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A strong understanding of utility rates, financial management, and customer service operations is essential. Munis (municipal finance/billing software) experience preferred. Relevant certifications in water meter systems or billing management are preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of municipal utility operations, billing systems, and financial management. Understanding of automated meter reading systems, meter operations, and the integration of technology in billing practices. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines related to utility billing. Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices related to municipal enterprise funds.

Ability: Ability to develop and implement effective billing procedures and operational improvements; ability to analyze complex data, prepare reports, and make recommendations for improvements. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with staff, customers, and stakeholders; ability to handle a high volume of customer inquiries and resolve issues efficiently. Ability to manage and supervise staff, ensuring productivity and compliance with policies.

Skill: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and utility billing software (e.g., Munis or similar product). Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply judgment in addressing billing issues and discrepancies.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional

exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills

Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs.)

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job requires minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and/or most other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, filing, and sorting.

Visual Skills

Visual demands include constantly reading documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes.

Hours: Full Time

Salary: $100,000

Union: Non-Union

FLSA: Exempt

Date Posted: 7/31/25

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The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or [email protected].

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

+ MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance

+ Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

+ 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union.

+ Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City

+ Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna

+ Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)

+ Long term disability through Sun Life

+ Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual

+ Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies

+ Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors

+ Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health

+ Annual cancer screening & wellness release

+ Somerville Retirement Pension System

+ Tuition reimbursement

+ MBTA pass program

+ FREE Blue Bikes membership

+ Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.

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