Controller Income at Ilembe District Municipality

Description

• Co-ordinates the application of accounting practices with the section of the Finance Department with regards to Customer Care, and queries, support Property Clearance certificates and Costing, by rendering correct accounts in terms of Legislation, Bylaws and Policies for services rendered and recover the monies due to Council.
• To ensure that an accurate data base of costs for services provided and the monies recovered are maintained.
• Re-instatement of water supply to consumers who are restricted/disconnected.
• Analyze, Investigate and provide advice of complex queries.
• Resolve high level queries from various stakeholders.
• Support and perform administration and financial sequences associated with the charges by attending to queries related to calculation of penalties/ interest on and providing explanations to consumers/legal practitioners.
• Analysing and calculating monies due
• Co-ordinates the resolving of queries from consumers, Councilors, the Public Protector and legal practitioners by analysing and responding to queries raised departmentally and/or inter-departmentally.
• Investigate, Analyze, Calculate and verify account details of consumers queries and respond to consumers personally, telephonically, in writing, by email and fax.
• Render accounts by applying the approved tariffs of charges to calculate accounts.
• Raising the debit via journals.
• Rendering the account to the consumer.

REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma / Degree in Accounting
• 2-3 years (within Finance Administration)
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• Computer literacy (MS Excel and any recognized Financial System)

COMPETENCIES

• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: strong accounting principles and practices, particularly in revenue/income management, billing, tariffs, levies, and consumer accounts.
• Proficiency in financial systems and MS Excel for data analysis, journal adjustments, report compilation, and database maintenance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Municipal Finance Management Act, municipal bylaws, policies on free basic services, indigent support, and credit control).
• Understanding of municipal revenue processes, including meter-related issues, property clearance, and debt recovery mechanisms.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills Ability to investigate, analyze, verify, and resolve complex consumer queries (departmental, inter-departmental, or stakeholder-related). Capacity to calculate adjustments, compile recommendations, and perform reconciliations or verifications on accounts. Problem-solving in high-level or escalated issues, including advising on complex matters and negotiating payment terms.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills Excellent customer service orientation for direct interaction with consumers (in person, telephonically, in writing, email, or fax). Clear and professional communication when responding to queries, providing support to staff (e.g., Customer Care/Enquiries, Credit Control), and liaising with stakeholders (government departments, companies, field staff like meter readers).
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail Ensuring correctness of data on statements, applied tariffs/levies, and account registrations.
• Organizational and Administrative Skills Coordinating accounting practices in the Customer Care section, compiling schedules/reports (e.g., non-functioning meters, billing reports), and submitting to relevant parties (e.g., Accountant, Technical Services).
• Integrity, Compliance, and Ethical Orientation Adherence to council/government directives (e.g., free basic services), policies, and legislation to ensure fair and correct account handling. Commitment to recovering monies due while supporting vulnerable consumers (e.g., indigent policies).
• Teamwork and Support Orientation Providing support to Customer Care staff, Credit Control unit, and other departments. Collaborating on reinstatement of services, property clearances, and overall revenue enhancement.