People's Energy Cooperative (PEC) is a growing Touchstone Energy® electric distribution cooperative with nearly 25,000 services in Southeast Minnesota.  In 2022, we won an award for being one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota.  We have an excellent opportunity for a full-time Billing & Collections Specialist.  This is a newly created position.  Qualified candidates will find we have a lot to offer with a competitive wage and benefits package including retirement pension, 401k, medical insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, PTO, holiday pay and more.  

General Summary

Performs billing and collection activities to ensure timely and accurate billing of member accounts and to minimize financial loss to the Cooperative. 

Job responsibilities include, but not limited to

Assumes primary responsibility of preparing for and processing monthly billing, final bills, automatic payments, late fees, and month-end per Cooperative’s policies and procedures to ensure financial requirements are met.

Administers the prepaid and budget billing programs, by ensuring participants are making timely payments and/or removing from programs per policy.

Perform timely billing adjustments as needed and communicates with member. Keeps Member Services Supervisor and Director of Member Services informed of adjustments and gains approval per policy.

Continuously reviews billing and collections practices, policies, and procedures. Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement to ensure accurate and timely billing of member accounts and the timely payment of Cooperative bills by the member to ensure Cooperative goals and objectives are met.

Prepares for and processes cutoff/delinquent notices to members through written or electronic correspondence, telephone calls, and/or personal contact.

Responsible for ensuring and taking appropriate action on past due accounts, including preparing orders and administering remote disconnects to discontinue service to members who have unpaid electric bills.

Respond to after hour calls regarding collections/reconnections of accounts from after-hours call service company. 

Provides prompt, efficient, and courteous service by answering or coordinating answers to complex member inquiries or complaints in areas including, but not limited to billing, collections, and other miscellaneous accounts receivables.

Reviews and stays well informed of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and State of Minnesota’s rules and regulations relative to billing and collections tasks to ensure all reasonable steps required are followed.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.  A combination of an associate degree plus three or more years of relevant experience will be considered.  In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education, training, accounts receivable experience, and/or related field may be considered.

Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in service and accounts receivables is preferred.  Previous experience in a utility and member/customer service environment is highly desirable.  

Knowledge

Possesses advanced computer abilities and knowledge, with emphasis on Microsoft Office products and be able to become proficient in the Cooperative’s customer database, financial software, and reporting software.

Must have excellent organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively with employees and members.

Must possess or obtain general utility knowledge that relates to electrical services, rate options, and member programs. Continually keeps informed of changing rules and regulations to properly perform the objectives of this position.

Must possess advanced knowledge of office practices and procedures.

Abilities and Skills

Must possess the desire and ability to serve as an ambassador of the Cooperative and the ability to respond effectively to changing workloads and priorities.

Must be a highly motivated, self-starter with excellent relationship building skills and a passion for providing exceptional member/customer service.

The ability to use available resources effectively and efficiently is essential.

The ability to communicate effectively and professionally (written and verbal) with others in a pleasing, courteous, and tactful manner is required.

Must have strong organizational skills with the ability to collect, organize, and disseminate information with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Apply online at www.peoplesenergy.coop under the "Cooperative Information" tab follow the "Careers" link.

About People's Energy Cooperative

People's Energy Cooperative was incorporated on January 1, 1936, and currently provides electric service to nearly 20,000 members in six area counties including Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona. We distribute electric energy from 29 substations through 2,847 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines. People's Energy Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.

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