Lead Cashier

Job Summary

Serves the Town of La Plata and its citizens by performing clerical work involving substantial public contact, in person, on the telephone, and via digital media. Coordinates the credit/collection functions of the utilities billing system, accepts, processes, and issues building permits and related development type permits, and performs basic office duties as assigned. This position is often the first contact citizens will have with the Town Government. The successful performance in this position requires the ability to represent the Town in a professional and helpful manner.

 Starting Salary Range: $22.24 – $25.58/hour, based on experience
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt 

Benefits: Details can be found on the Town website at https://townoflaplata.org/35/Employment 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

• Serves as lead cashier - maintains cash drawer, accepts and processes all types of payments (i.e., utility, permit, ACH, and miscellaneous billings), applies the payments to the appropriate customer accounts or assigns to appropriate revenue code, reconciles cash drawer daily, and prepares cashiering packets with related documentation and appropriate document retention.  
• Serves as the secondary point of contact for customer inquiries, both walk-in and phone, ascertains customer needs, and either provides answers to the customer's questions or directs them to the appropriate office/person.
• Assists the Utility Billing Supervisor - responds to customer inquiries regarding their utility accounts, works with customers to set up payment plans, helps manage water shut-offs and turn-ons, prepares Utility Work Orders for Public Works employees, and provides Public Works with completed pink notices for returned bills.
• Provides administrative support to the Planning and Community Development department staff - accepts permit applications, schedules rental property inspections, and prepares and distributes correspondence as needed. Prepare and reconcile cashiering entry from Municity.
• Maintain and schedule rental property inspections for Code Enforcement.
• Wills Park Community Building and Tilghman Lake Park - answers questions, accepts reservation applications, maintains a calendar of scheduled rentals, and keeps Public Works advised of the schedule so they can provide required maintenance and support.
• Knowledgeable about and proficient in the use of various office equipment (e.g., personal computer, typewriter, telephone, calculator, copy machine, postage machine) and systems (e.g., computer software programs), and is ready and willing to learn how to use new equipment and systems as needed.
• Proficient with data entry and with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Opens and stamps incoming mail, payments, and deeds. Logs mail in a digital platform.  
• Reviews and places department office supply orders. Maintains office supplies inventory for Town Hall. Compare pricing with approved vendors.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Certification and/or Experience

Possession of a High School diploma or GED. Work experience in local government, customer service, accounts receivable, and permitting.  

Knowledge of principles and practices of customer service, accounts receivable. Familiarity with equipment and software used in the department. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written for inquiries, accounting, permitting. Ability to work well with coworkers and individuals outside the organization. Ability to understand, interpret, converse, and accurately advance inquiries across varied governmental services. Knowledge of office practices and procedures; office machine operation; computational and mathematical accuracy; English grammar including usage and composition; professional telephone, email, and in person etiquette.

Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel, Outlook email and calendar, and accounting software applications.

Technical Qualifications

Ability to maintain a very professional atmosphere in customer service with officials, co-workers, and members of the general public in routine, emergency, or emotional situations. Knowledge of various computer software, including communication and financial programs. Ability to take direction. Ability to accomplish tasks quickly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and short deadlines.

Requires knowledge of municipal practices, procedures, and goals. Ability to work well with people, dealing with a wide variety of issues and challenges. Skilled at handling multiple projects and short deadlines with adherence to regulations and procedures. Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment, including but not limited to multi-line telephone, calculator, copy machine, postage machine, a variety of general office equipment, computers and peripheral equipment, and accounting, communications, and scheduling software.

Have knowledge of utility billing procedures. Ability to interpret utility rate schedules and customer billing records. Ability to determine and resolve billing errors with customers.

Ability to work independently and prioritize work. Ability to exercise judgment and tact in dealing with the public and other employees.

Language Skills

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with residents, property owners, government officials, the general public, fellow employees, and Town officials. Must be able to listen to and interpret problems, direct inquiries to appropriate staff or resources, exercise tact and diplomacy, and make clear written and oral reports and recommendations. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write correspondence.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; balance; and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to or in excess of twenty (20) pounds. Must have visual acuity to work independently and consistently with permits, forms, bills, checks, accounting reports, and financial documents in paper and electronic formats. Rarely required to work unusual hours.

Environmental Conditions

The worker is subject to indoor environmental conditions. There is protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Noise level and lighting are conducive to an office setting.