Consumer Billing and Software Associate

Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) is a member-owned electric utility serving more than 30,000 member-consumers in the counties of Otter Tail, Wilkin, Grant, Douglas, Clay and Becker (service territory). We are currently seeking candidates for a full-time Consumer Billing and Software Associate position. The LREC billing team is responsible for executing deadline driven, accurate, and efficient billing process. Apply knowledge of financial billing practices and drive software efficiencies by engaging in an in-depth understanding of the data inputs into the billing process and recommending process improvements.

 On-site in our Pelican Rapids, MN office, this position is responsible for executing, monitoring and reviewing billing of assigned segment of consumer accounts to ensure the accuracy and integrity of billing data by maintaining efficient operations of billing software and associated data input systems. Manage accuracy of data coordination within the billing software and meter data management systems to ensure accuracy of billing to member accounts. Manage efficient utilization of functionality and workflow operations of the Cooperative’s consumer accounting software and meter reading systems. Provide effective customer service for all new and existing members by using excellent, in-depth knowledge of cooperative services and programs. Assist with performing timely and accurate financial duties by receiving, receipting, and recording a variety of payment methods to consumer accounts. Assist with the allocation or distribution of the equity balances in the capital credits system.

• Billing: Timely execution, monthly and annually, of utility billing functions ensuring system input accuracy for the preparation of the assigned segment of consumer bills.
• Create, review and monitor pre-billing audit reports to troubleshoot and resolve billing or meter reading issues.
• Execute and review billing cycles in a test environment to verify accuracy of billing cycles for live process.
• Ensure timely execution and completion of Month-End and Year-End billing processes and reports.
• Customer Service and Account Management: Provide prompt and efficient member support and ensure accuracy of information within accounts. 
• Research billing requests, explain billing procedures, rate structures, and other relevant information to members.
• Provide customer services and manage account maintenance, including processing service orders and preparing any appropriate correspondence.
• System Administration: Maintain knowledge and efficient operations of the Cooperative’s consumer accounting software and meter reading systems.
• Evaluate, propose, implement and manage efficient utilization of functionality and workflow operations, automating manual work processes and recommending system enhancements. 
• Stay abreast of system enhancements implemented by the vendor.
• Work with team members and vendor to ensure successful implementation of workflow processes.
• Maintain workflow processes by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
• Accounts Receivable, Capital Credit and Estate Retirement back up support: 
• Understand and monitor the recording and balancing of member payments.
• Assist, as needed, ensuring accuracy and compliance for monthly estate retirement processes.
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Qualifications for the position include:

• Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to 2 years business office accounting or finance computerized billing processes. 
• Advanced technology and software skills, proving an ability to understand software data program workflows.
• 2+ years of experience using Excel and databases including proficiency in exporting, importing, and manipulating data to produce accurate and timely statistical reports
• Professional, helpful, and courteous written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the desire for continuous learning and development.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with attention to detail.
• Capacity to work standard work hours, Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 4:00PM, and overtime as needed. Assistance will be expected during major outages.
• Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment screening which may include a physical examination, drug screening, background check, reference check, and motor vehicle record check as applicable to the position.
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This position will remain open for 30 days or until filled; however, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as the review process will begin right away. Apply and view a full position description by visiting our website at www.lrec.coop.

LREC offers a generous compensation package including fully paid single coverage health insurance, company 401k match and substantial paid time off, including front loading accrual. The pay range for this position starts at $21.00 - $26.00 per hour based on previous billing software experience. Job offer rates are determined based on the candidate’s specific education, experience, knowledge, skills, and in alignment with market data.

Questions regarding the position can be directed to HR@lrec.coop.

LREC is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).