Salary : $76,544.00 - $103,334.40 Annually
Location : 4141 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 20261
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description
To perform general accounting functions with primary focus on utility billing processing and support other financial functions (payroll and accounts payable). To maintain necessary records, prepare financial and government reports, and to ensure effective processing in accordance with department policies and standard accounting practices. To provide excellent customer service and support other financial functions.

Examples of Duties

• Process online and electronic utility payments daily.
• Assists customers with a variety of questions over the phone and in person and prepares correspondence relating to customer inquiries. Responds to requests from other departments, realtors and title companies.
• Ensures customer accounts are updated with all meter readings, payments, meter inventory changes, miscellaneous adjustments, and addresses etc. prior to generating bills to customers.
• Scans utility remittance advices into accounts receiveable system, balances to payments, and posts a cash receipts batch.
• Adjust misapplied payments to the appropriate account.
• Applies late-payment penalties to accounts.
• Processes returned (or non-sufficient funds) checks and Invoice Cloud payments.
• Imports/exports routes and meter readings to/from Sensus Meter Data Manager (MDM) system.
• Processes changes in property ownership, including opening and closing accounts, updating applicable records, and generating notices and final bills.
• Processes refunds to customers who have closed accounts and credit balances.
• Maintains records on customers who have filed for bankruptcy.
• Coordinates the mailing of monthly bills with an outside vendor.
• Reviews month-end edit reports and follows up on questionable meter readings and shut-offs with utility division.
• Maintains meter replacement and repair history.
• Responsible for updating and testing system rate changes and updated versions of utility billing software.
• Prepares journal entries to record city utility charges.
• Prepares an annual assessment roll for delinquent utility accounts, generates certification letters to customers, and certifies delinquent accounts to the county for collection.
• Acts as a backup to other personnel in the department and is expected to be cross-trained in their duties and responsibilities (payroll and accounts payable) including processing payroll and accounts payable periodically to remain fully cross-trained.
• Prepares financial reports and develops and maintains spreadsheets, as necessary.
• Prepares reports for the Joint Water Commission.
• Assists with annual audit.
• Assists with election activities.
• Documents and periodically updates department procedures.
• Maintain accounting records and assists with archiving of department records in accordance with the Data Practices Act.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Two years formal education.
• Two years of work experience directly related to accounting or finance.
• Two years customer service experience.
• Two years experience with Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheet software.
• Proficient data entry skills - must be able to type 30 WPM and have six months experience in 10-key operation.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Four year bachelor degree in accounting/finance/business or related feild.
• More than two years of experience in accounting or related field.
• Experience working with SENSUS Meter Data Manager (MDM) system.
• JD Edwards and/or CIS Infinity software experience.
• Municipal accounting experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Communications: Must have the ability to actively listen to others for understanding of their needs and situations. Ability to speak and write English clearly. Ability to read and understand instructions and directives. Must have the ability to record names, facts, numbers, and information accurately. Must be able to assertively control conversations in order to quickly and accurately gather pertinent information and be able to communicate this information professionally and precisely to the proper recipient. Must be able to effectively represent the organization, department, and its operation, to the management and public. Competency in verbal and written communications.
Decision Making: Must act in a decisive manner using good judgment. Must be able to assess problems and situations, anticipate needs, and evaluate alternatives.
Interpersonal Relationships: Must be consistent in dealing with people. Must exclude personal biases from work performance. Must have the ability to accept criticism and/or discipline. Must have tact and diplomacy. Must strive to promote a cooperative atmosphere in the department. Must be willing to assist others and share information as needed.
Professional Attitude: Must have commitment to the organization. Willingness to take initiative and show dependability. Must exhibit maturity in relationships with others. Must exhibit a willingness to be trained in functions of the job. Must represent the organization to other agencies, staff, and citizens with a courteous, helpful, accurate and business-like attitude in all telephone and personal contact.
Quality of Work: Must be able to produce quality, accurate work as set forth in job standards/expectations. Must be able to detect and correct errors. Must be able to work independently and utilize work time properly and productively and handle multiple tasks confidently and with minimum error. Must be able to creatively adjust time use and structure to accommodate a changing workload or deadline. Ability to provide customers with accurate and timely information and telephone service.
Technical Knowledge: Must have accurate accounting and math skills. Must have a working knowledge of computers using Windows operating system, as well as basic office equipment (adding machine, copiers, fax, postage meter, etc.). Must be proficient with MS Word, Excel, and accounting software. Must have knowledge of Data Practices Act.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
General Benefits
Health/Dental/Life Insurance Coverage - Health, dental, and life insurance coverage is available to all regular employees.
Long Term/Short Term Disability - Long term and short term disability insurance is available to all regular employees.
Retirement Health Savings Plan (RHS) - Regular full-time and regular part-time employees are eligible for the RHS Plan. The City will contribute a set dollar amount per month. Employees who have a minimum balance of hours in their sick leave banks will also contribute a set number of days into their individual accounts.
PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) - PERA is mandatory for all government employees. The City contributes a set percentage and you contribute a set percentage of your gross income directly into PERA. For details on PERA, vesting and retirement, contact Finance or PERA at (651) 296-7460.
Vacation and Sick Leave - Upon your start date, you will accrue vacation and sick leave at the rate of 12 days per year (0-5 years of completed service). This is prorated for part-time employees according to hours worked. Each full time employee must expend a minimum of 80 hours of vacation each calendar year.
Holidays - The City has 13 paid holidays per year, two of which are personal/floating holiday.
Education Benefits - Employees may be eligible for a percentage of reimbursement of tuition up to a set amount on "work-related" courses, required fees and books upon completion and receipt of a grade of "C" or "satisfactory."
Deferred Compensation - This is a voluntary plan which allows employees to place a portion of their earnings into a 457 pretax deferred investment plan. This plan is subject to IRS Rulings.
Direct Deposit - The City requires direct deposit regarding payroll checks.
Flexible Benefit Plan(FSA) - This is a voluntary plan whereby a portion of your salary may be set aside to cover estimated health care costs and dependant daycare costs. This contribution is taken from gross wages and you must expend all the money you set aside or lose it. This plan is subject to IRS Rulings.
Employee Assistance Program - The City provides an employee assistance program for employees and their family members enrolled in the City's health insurance program.
Mileage Reimbursement - Personal automobile use for authorized trips, meetings, work, etc. will be reimbursed at the rate and consistent with IRS Regulations.
01

Do you have at least two years of formal education?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have two years of work experience directly related to accounting or finance?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have two years of experience with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have two years of customer service work experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have at least 6 months of 10 key experience AND the ability to type at least 30 WPM?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a four year bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business or a related field?

• Yes
• No

07

How many years of work experience do you have in accounting or a related field?

• 0-2 years
• 2-5 years
• 5-10 years
• 10 or more years

08

Do you have experience working with SENSUS Meter Data Manager (MDM) system?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have experience with JD Edwards and/or CIS infinity software experience?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, describe your experience.
11

Do you have municipal accounting experience?

• Yes
• No

12

If you answered "yes" to the previous questions, please describe your work experience in municipal accounting.
13

How would you describe your knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word software?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

14

This question is used to determine your status as a veteran under the Minnesota Veteran's Preference Statute 43A.1. To be eligible for veteran's preference points, you must: Be separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces in the U.S. after having served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or by reason of disability rated at 50% or more, incurred while serving on active duty, and be a citizen of the U.S. or resident alien; or be the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who, because of the disability, is not able to qualify; or have active military service certified under US Public Law 95-202. You are not required to supply this information, but we cannot award veteran's points without it. Note that the city is not required to award veteran's preference points to eligible candidates applying for Department Head or seasonal/temporary positions. Are you applying for veteran's preference points? If Yes, you must attach the appropriate documentation form(s) to this application or provide the City Human Resources Office with a copy within 5 calendar days after the deadline date for this position.

• Yes
• No

15

If you answered "Yes" to the preceding question, please select the appropriate category that applies to you. Note that you must attach the appropriate documentation form(s) to this application or provide the City Human Resources Office with a copy within 5 calendar days after the deadline date for this position. Appropriate documentation is as follows: Veteran: You must attach your DD214 form to this application or provide the City Human Resources Office with a copy within 5 calendar days after the deadline date for this position. Disabled Veteran:You must attach your DD-214 form and FL-802 form (or equivalent letter from a service retirement board) to this application or provide the City Human Resources Office with a copy of all documents within 5 calendar days after the application deadline. Spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to use the preference due to the disablity: You must attach your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD-214 and FL-802 form (or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board) to this application or provide the City Human Resources Office with a copy of all documents within 5 calendar days after the deadline date for this position. Widow of a deceased Veteran: You must attach your marriage certificate, spouse's form DD-214 and spouse's death certificate to this application or provide the City Human Resources Office with a copy of all documents within 5 calendar days after the deadline date for this position. Widow of deceased veteran who was di