Business Office Manager

Post Date
September 26, 2024

Expiration Date

Location
Huntersvillle, NC

Organization
ElectriCities of NC

Job Summary

The Huntersville/Cornelius/Pineville Division of ElectriCities operates and maintains the Town of Cornelius, the Town of Huntersville, and the Town of Pineville electric systems in an economical, efficient, safe, and reliable manner as contracted for in the Operating Agreement with each town under the Regions Project #1. This includes managing and administering the Operating Agreement and other contracts and agreements necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Towns’ Electric Systems along with constructing, installing, operating, and maintaining each Towns’ Electric Systems and managing the financial integrity of Cornelius and Huntersville by maintaining retail rates, accurate billing, cash collections, and asset safekeeping through processes and procedures and associated software and systems needed to meet the electric power requirements of the Towns and their respective customers, both present and future. The ElectriCities Operations Center located in the Town of Huntersville is where employees of the division operate, and local customers settle their electric accounts.
The Business Office Manager works in conjunction with the electric systems manager, electric operations manager and senior field engineer, to ensure smooth, efficient and accurate operation of the business functions for both the town’s electric systems.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Supervises the day-to-day activities of the ElectriCities’ Huntersville/Cornelius electric utilities business office billing and retail rate verification, accounting, budgeting, collections, and customer satisfaction to include:
    • Supervising all Business Office staff (AP/AR Coordinator, Supervisor, Billing, and Customer Service Representatives).
    • Interfacing with each Town’s Finance Departments to provide and maintain the appropriate accounting and other reports, and information as required to operate the electric system.
  • Revises Customer Service Policies and Procedures to improve efficiencies and comply with regulations as needed.
  • Oversees and assists the Electric Systems Manager in preparation of Town’s electric system budgets. Tracks budget spending to ensure that budgets remain in balance. Prepares routine budget reports and amendments as needed.
  • Oversees all accounting functions. Ensures accounts payable and accounts receivable activities are maintained in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Oversees purchasing activities to ensure that adequate funds are available for all purchases and for compliance to all North Carolina procurement laws.
  • Assists the Supervisor, Billing and Customer Service with escalated complaints from customers to resolve issues in accordance with established policies and procedures as necessary.
  • Ensures all customers are billed on schedule, retail rate changes are incorporated in the customer information system and verification of bills takes place after changes to ensure accuracy. Review all bill corrections when needed and review bill classifications for accuracy.
  • Oversees all streetlight and security light billing and coordinates with the Supervisor, Billing and Customer Service to ensure billing is completed timely, accurately and per the contract.
  • Oversees rebates and special programs that are incorporated into the customer’s bill to ensure accuracy. This will include heat pump rebates, renewable energy programs, low-income assistance programs, etc.
  • Maintains working knowledge of Customer Information System including the ability to train others and troubleshoot minor problems.
  • Maintains an adequate supply of all office and building supplies.
  • Ability to handle confidential information in a discreet manner.
  • Coordinates with other departments within ElectriCities including but not limited to Information Technology regarding CIS, and Strategic Communications regarding the website and the ElectriCities Style guide.
  • Assists the Electric Systems Manager in the preparation, review, and control of operating budgets. Prepares budget reports, documents and amendments as needed. Ensures the accuracy of all invoices to be paid in relation to the Customer Service Department and business office needs.
  • Maintains up-to-date office systems including but not limited to mailroom equipment, copier, fax, e-mail, telephone system, and filing and records retention system. This includes documenting and following record retention policies and procedures.
  • Coordinates special events and marketing opportunities as needed.
  • Coordinates with the Electric Operations Manager and/or Line & Service employees during major power outages and covers customer phone calls. This may require working past normal business hours and/or being called into the office after normal work hours on weekends and holidays to answer phones during power outages.
  • Oversees and maintains website and social media outlets.
  • Develops, fosters and maintains effective interpersonal relationships in a cooperative manner with co-workers and town leaders in order to promote teamwork.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Electric Systems Manager in accordance with the goals and objectives of ElectriCities.

Job Requirements

Controls

The Business Office Manager works independently with limited supervision from the Electric Systems Manager who provides objectives and work assignments for the incumbent and reviews the incumbent’s performance periodically in terms of overall effectiveness and provides professional and administrative guidance as needed.  The Electric Systems Manager also approves requests for vacation and other time off.  This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Physical Requirements

The Business Office Manager must maintain the physical condition necessary to perform    tasks in an office setting such as operating a personal computer, keyboard, and other peripheral equipment.  Periodic travel may be required to other NC locations and/or for training and development purposes.

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree preferably in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of five years of related business experience in office supervision; an equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered.
  • A working background within a municipal electric utility preferred.
  • A thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management and general business management practices.
  • A thorough knowledge of filing and record keeping and practices.
  • A thorough knowledge of North Carolina Municipal Accounting requirements, as well as thorough knowledge of North Carolina Procurement laws.
  • A knowledge of analytical and operations research techniques, report writing and report presentation, accounting and GAAP standards and practices, ability to prepare and present comprehensive oral and written reports and skill in operating assigned office machines and equipment as well as word processing and word processing report writing.
  • The ability to accurately interpret policies and procedures and to make decisions in accordance with such policies and procedures, to establish and maintain positive relationships with other employees, town governing officials, outside agencies and officials, and the public.

About ElectriCities

ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc., is the membership organization that provides power supply and related critical services to over 90 community-owned electric systems in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia—collectively known as public power. ElectriCities manages the power supply for two power agencies in North Carolina and provides technical services to assist members in operating their electric distribution systems. ElectriCities also helps these locally owned and operated public power providers thrive today and in the future by delivering innovative services, including legislative, technical, communications, and economic development expertise.

We offer challenging and rewarding careers in a family-friendly culture, a competitive compensation, benefits, and rewards package, as well as career development opportunities. ElectriCities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online

Raleigh Office

1427 Meadow Wood Blvd
Raleigh, NC 27604
919.760.6000

Huntersville Office

11316 Sam Furr Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
704.948.0550

Lexington Office

28 W. Center Street
Lexington, NC 27292
336.243.2489