Billing Manager

Company Description

Water Utility Management is Georgia’s largest private operator of community water and wastewater systems, with permits for over 200 water systems and 20 wastewater systems across the state. Headquartered in Savannah, GA since 1970, the company is dedicated to providing safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services. Water Utility Management prioritizes outstanding customer experiences and operates with a commitment to availability and reliability 24/7.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role located in the Greater Savannah Area for a Billing Manager. The Billing Manager is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, overseeing and coordinating the operational activities and billing processes for water and sewer services, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant billing for a large, growing customer base. This role oversees day-to-day billing operations, supervises the billing team, partners cross-functionally with Customer Service, Operations, Accounting, and IT, and drives continuous improvement in billing processes, systems, reporting and controls to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Billing Operations & Accuracy

•  Develop and coordinate the operational activities of the Billing Department.

•  Oversee and manage the end-to-end billing process, including data collection and validation, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of bi-monthly water and sewer bills on rotating cycles for all customers.

•  Ensure billing data integrity, including customer account setup, meter reads, billing codes, routing, and billing cycle configuration.

•  Ensure billing statements are transmitted to third-party vendors for customer mailing within required timelines.

•  Oversee the closing of service orders and ensure bills are properly adjusted for corrected meter reads.

•  Monitor meter change-outs to confirm accurate updates in Tyler Technologies and related systems; partner with Operations to reduce manual meter reads.

•  Perform ongoing analysis of billing data and system setups to identify errors, trends, and efficiency improvement opportunities.

•  Recommend and implement system and process enhancements to improve billing accuracy, efficiency, and optimized process and reporting automation.

Systems & Compliance

•  Supervise system administration and troubleshooting for utility billing software and related applications.

•  Oversee effective use and functionality of billing software and related systems.

•  Utilize technology resources to maximize efficiency while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.

•  Stay abreast of relevant utility regulations, policies, and compliance requirements.

•  Ensure billing processes comply with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

•  Maintain the master rate schedule and oversee accurate rate setup and changes.

•  Lead timely and effective communication about rate increases to internal stakeholders and customers.

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

•  Resolve complex customer billing inquiries and disputes in a timely and professional manner, providing and supporting a high level of customer service.

•  Collaborate closely with Customer Service, Accounting, Operations, IT, and other departments to ensure accurate billing and efficient information flow.

•  Lead end-to-end setup of new customers, accounts, rate codes, subdivisions, and new construction, coordinating with Finance and Operations.

•  Assist with financial reporting and analysis of utility billing data and transactions.

Leadership & Team Management

•  Manage, develop, and advocate for the Billing team; identify areas of opportunity for individual team members’ development and work with leadership to train and develop team members.

•  Participate in recruiting and hiring.

•  Conduct regular one-on-one and departmental meetings with team members; conduct mentoring/development discussions with direct reports.

•  Assign work, manage workloads, monitor deadlines, and ensure accuracy and adherence to policies.

•  Maintain team expectations to ensure that they are understood by each team member and monitor for compliance; evaluate direct reports’ performance; address personnel issues as needed and in a timely manner; provide ongoing feedback and coaching.

•  Conduct and provide input for semi-annual and annual performance reviews.

•  Foster a positive, accountable, and continuous-improvement-focused team culture.

Additional Responsibilities

•  Participate in special projects as requested.

•  Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

•  Associate’s degree in accounting is preferred. Any combination of training, skills, and experience to perform the core responsibilities of the position may be considered.

•  5–7 years of billing and/or accounting experience (or equivalent), including 2–3 years in a managerial role.

•  Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate processes, identify trends, recommend and implement improvements.

•  Demonstrated leadership ability with a proven track record of accountability, process improvement and team development.

•  Solid accounting knowledge with strong financial and mathematical aptitude.

•  High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

•  Strong organizational, interpersonal, time-management, written, and verbal communication skills.

•  Strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and advanced Excel skills.

•  Experience with Tyler Technologies’ billing software and M-Files preferred.

Benefits

WUM offers a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment grounded in our core values. Full-time employees are eligible for comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days of employment. Additional benefits include paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan with up to 3% company matching, and the option to participate in a Flexible Spending Account. We are committed to the professional development of our team and fostering a workplace where employees can thrive.