Utility Billing Coordinator in New York Career Overview
As a Utility Billing Coordinator, you play a key role in the effective management of utility billing processes for various organizations, such as municipalities, utility companies, and property management firms. Your responsibilities are essential for ensuring accurate billing and maintaining the financial health of the utility services provided to customers.
Key aspects of the Utility Billing Coordinator role include:
Billing Management: You oversee the complete billing cycle, from meter reading to invoice generation, ensuring that all charges reflect accurate consumption.
Customer Interaction: You frequently engage with customers to address inquiries, resolve billing disputes, and provide explanations regarding charges, helping to maintain strong customer relationships.
Data Integrity: Your attention to detail ensures that all data entered into billing systems is accurate and up-to-date, protecting the organization from potential financial discrepancies and customer dissatisfaction.
Reporting: You generate and analyze reports related to billing activities, customer accounts, and revenue collection, providing valuable insights to management for strategic decision-making.
Collaboration: You work closely with various departments such as finance, customer service, and field operations to facilitate seamless operations and improve overall utility management practices.
This role is integral to the overall efficiency of utility services and has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and the financial performance of the utilities you manage.
Utility Billing Coordinator Salary in New York
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become an Utility Billing Coordinator in New York
To become a Utility Billing Coordinator, you need to meet specific educational qualifications and training requirements. Here are the recommended college degree programs that can help you prepare for this role:
Accounting: A degree in accounting will provide you with a solid foundation in financial principles, practices, and regulations, which are essential for managing utility billing processes.
Accounting and Business Management: This degree combines accounting principles with business management strategies, equipping you with the skills to oversee billing operations while understanding broader business implications.
Business Administration and Management: A degree in this field offers insights into various aspects of running a business, including operations, finance, and customer relations, all of which are relevant to utility billing.
Business and Personal Financial Services Marketing Operations: This program focuses on financial services and marketing strategies, which can enhance your understanding of customer billing needs and effective communication.
Management Information Systems and Services: A degree in this area integrates technology with business processes, preparing you for the technological aspects of utility billing systems and data management.
In addition to formal education, consider any internships or practical training opportunities that can provide hands-on experience in utility billing, finance, or customer service, as this experience can further enhance your qualifications.
Best Schools to become a Utility Billing Coordinator in New York 2024
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Southern New Hampshire University
Western Governors University
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Grand Canyon University
Liberty University
- Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Utility Billing Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in New York
Attention to Detail: You must exhibit a high level of accuracy when processing utility bills and inputting data to prevent discrepancies and ensure customer satisfaction.
Analytical Skills: Possessing the ability to analyze billing data and identify patterns or issues is essential for effective problem-solving and process improvement.
Mathematical Proficiency: A solid understanding of basic arithmetic and financial calculations is necessary for accurate billing and account reconciliation.
Communication Skills: You should be able to clearly convey information and resolve customer inquiries, whether through written communication or verbal interactions.
Time Management: Effectively managing your time and prioritizing tasks will help ensure that billing cycles are completed timely and efficiently.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with billing software and data management systems is essential. You should also be comfortable using spreadsheets and other analytical tools to maintain records.
Customer Service Orientation: A focus on providing excellent service to customers will enhance your ability to address inquiries and resolve issues related to utility billing.
Problem-Solving Abilities: You need to be adept at identifying billing issues and implementing solutions, ensuring that error rates are kept to a minimum.
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational capabilities will help you manage multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines effectively.
Collaboration Skills: Working well with other departments, such as customer service and finance, is important to ensure smooth operations and accurate billing processes.
Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding the regulations and standards governing utility billing practices will enable you to ensure compliance in your work.
Job Duties for Utility Billing Coordinators
Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
Geographic information system
- Geographic information system GIS systems
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Reading work related information
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Utility Billing Coordinator in New York
In New York, the demand for Utility Billing Coordinators continues to grow as municipalities, utility companies, and other organizations seek efficient management of utility services and billing processes. Here are key insights into the current job market:
Increased Demand: With the ongoing rise in utility service needs and the complexity of billing systems, organizations are hiring Utility Billing Coordinators to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. As infrastructure projects and smart city initiatives take shape, the demand for skilled professionals in this area is expected to grow.
Growth Potential: The utility sector is rapidly evolving, particularly as technology improvements and data analytics become essential for effective billing processes. This evolution offers significant growth potential for Utility Billing Coordinators, as more roles are created to support advanced billing systems and customer management solutions.
Geographical Hotspots:
- New York City: As one of the largest urban centers in the United States, there is a high concentration of utility companies and municipal services. The demand for Utility Billing Coordinators in NYC is robust due to the city's size and the complexities associated with its utility services.
- Westchester County: This area has a mix of residential and commercial utilities leading to a solid market for utility billing professionals. The presence of numerous municipalities looking to optimize their service delivery contributes to job opportunities.
- Long Island: With a growing population and infrastructure investment, Long Island has a vibrant job market for Utility Billing Coordinators, particularly within local government agencies and utility firms.
- Upstate New York: In regions like Albany and Rochester, there are opportunities in both public utilities and private sector companies that support utility management, partly driven by state initiatives to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
Industry Applications: Various sectors utilize Utility Billing Coordinators, including public utilities, water management companies, and energy providers. As more entities recognize the importance of effective billing management, the opportunities in these industries will continue to expand.
The job market for Utility Billing Coordinators in New York is promising, characterized by steady demand and various opportunities across different geographical locations and sectors.
Top Related Careers to Utility Billing Coordinator 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become an Utility Billing Coordinator in New York
American Public Power Association (APPA)
A national organization representing publicly-owned electric utilities, providing resources related to utility management and billing practices.
APPA WebsiteNational Association of Utility Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC)
NARUC supports state utility regulatory agencies and promotes informed policy discussions relevant to utility billing and regulation.
NARUC WebsiteUtility Service Partners, Inc. (USP)
This organization provides educational materials and informational resources on utility services and billing processes for municipalities.
USP WebsiteInternational Association of Utility Professionals (IAUP)
A professional organization for utility professionals that offers training, certifications, and conferences.
IAUP WebsiteInstitute of Public Utilities (IPU)
Provides education and resources related to utility regulation, including billing procedures and customer service excellence.
IPU WebsiteNational Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
Focuses on energy policies and initiatives, providing insights that can help utility billing coordinators understand the energy landscape.
NASEO WebsiteNew York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC)
Regulates utility services in New York State and provides resources for understanding utility billing policies and customer rights.
NYPSC WebsiteElectric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
An organization that conducts research and development for the electric power industry, which can inform best practices in billing and customer service.
EPRI WebsiteCustomer Service Association (CSA)
Focuses on improving customer service across industries, including utilities, through resources, training, and networking opportunities.
CSA WebsiteASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Provides guidelines and insights on energy efficiency, which can enhance utility billing practices in terms of sustainability.
ASHRAE Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Utility Billing Coordinator in New York
What are the key responsibilities of a Utility Billing Coordinator?
As a Utility Billing Coordinator, your primary responsibilities include managing customer accounts, processing utility bills, reconciling accounts receivable and payable, addressing customer inquiries, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. You will also be involved in auditing billing processes and implementing efficiencies.What qualifications are needed to become a Utility Billing Coordinator?
A high school diploma is typically required, although an associate's or bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration can enhance your prospects. Additionally, experience in billing or customer service is beneficial, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.What skills are important for success in this role?
Important skills include:- Proficiency in billing software and Microsoft Excel
- Strong communication skills for interacting with customers and team members
- Ability to analyze data and solve problems
- Attention to detail for accurate billing and compliance
- Organizational skills to manage multiple accounts efficiently
What is the job outlook for Utility Billing Coordinators in New York?
The job outlook for Utility Billing Coordinators is stable, with a consistent demand in various sectors including municipal utilities, residential management companies, and private utilities. Salary and opportunities for advancement may vary depending on experience, location, and the employer's size.Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
Yes, as you gain experience, you can advance to senior billing positions or supervisory roles. Further opportunities could arise in related fields such as finance, operations management, or customer service management, particularly if you pursue additional training or certifications.What software is commonly used in utility billing?
Utility Billing Coordinators typically work with specialized billing software such as Tyler Technologies, Munis, and more general accounting software like QuickBooks or Microsoft Dynamics. Familiarity with spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel is also essential.How can I find job openings for Utility Billing Coordinator positions?
Job openings can be found on various job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. You can also check municipal websites and utility company career pages directly. Networking within industry groups and attending job fairs can also help in discovering opportunities.What are the typical working hours for a Utility Billing Coordinator?
Most Utility Billing Coordinators work standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, there may be occasional requirements for overtime during peak billing cycles or for special projects.What challenges might I face in this role?
Challenges may include managing customer disputes related to billing errors, ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, meeting tight deadlines during billing cycles, and keeping up with advancements in billing technologies.Is there any certification relevant to becoming a Utility Billing Coordinator?
While certification is not mandatory, obtaining credentials such as the Certified Utility Billing Technician (CUBT) can enhance your qualifications. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and may improve your job prospects.