Billing Specialist

As a Billing Specialist at Planet Technologies, your key responsibilities include preparing Time & Materials (T&M) and fixed-price service invoices based on customer purchase orders and timecards. You'll also manage travel expense billings, verify accounts, maintain project folders, resolve billing discrepancies, and generate customer statements. Your goal is to ensure accurate and timely billing while following the company's financial policies and procedures.

To be considered for the Billing Specialist role at Planet Technologies, you'll need at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, specifically with a federal government contractor. College-level coursework in accounting is essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics SL and Excel. A solid understanding of accounting principles, government contracts, and billing interfaces is also crucial for success in this position.

Yes, the Billing Specialist position at Planet Technologies offers a hybrid work schedule. This means you’ll have the flexibility to work both on-site in Gaithersburg, MD, and remotely. However, you will be required to be on-site at least three days per week. This hybrid model allows for a balanced work-life experience while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

At Planet Technologies, the salary range for Billing Specialists is between $50,000 and $70,000. Ultimately, the final pay offered will depend on several factors, such as your type of experience in the role, clearance level, industry experience, and educational background. These elements come together to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your expertise and contributions.

The essential skills for a Billing Specialist at Planet Technologies include a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and proficiency in billing interfaces like IPP and WAWF. Additionally, you should be able to navigate government contracts, understand travel regulations, and have solid accounting knowledge, all while working harmoniously within a team.

When discussing your experience, be specific about how you've utilized Microsoft Dynamics SL in your previous roles. Mention particular tasks you performed, such as generating invoices or handling billing discrepancies. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you resolved them, demonstrating your proficiency and problem-solving skills in using this accounting software.

To effectively answer this question, explain the systematic approaches you take to verify accuracy. Discuss the importance of double-checking data entries, reconciling invoices with supporting documentation, and utilizing spreadsheet formulas to reduce errors. Sharing examples of how these practices led to successful outcomes will strengthen your response.

In your response, outline your process for identifying and resolving discrepancies. Mention your ability to communicate with clients and internal teams to clarify issues, analyze supporting documents, and keep detailed records. Being proactive, patient, and solution-focused in your approach can show your capability to address billing challenges effectively.

Describe your time management techniques, such as prioritizing tasks, setting reminders, and using project management tools. Provide an example of a time when you met a tight deadline by organizing your workflow efficiently. Stress the importance of staying calm under pressure while ensuring high-quality deliverables.

Share a specific situation where you had to communicate difficult concepts, detailing how you broke down the information into understandable terms. Highlight your communication skills and empathy, demonstrating how you ensured that the client felt informed and reassured throughout the process.

Mention your commitment to professional development by regularly following industry publications, participating in webinars, and joining relevant professional organizations. You can also discuss attending training sessions or seeking mentorship opportunities to keep your knowledge current and expand your skill set in billing practices.

Your response should emphasize the importance of active listening and empathy. Explain how you’d first seek to understand the customer’s concerns, gather all relevant documentation, and work collaboratively to resolve the issue. This shows that you value customer relationships and are dedicated to finding a satisfactory solution.

Discuss any specific projects where you worked with federal clients, detailing the nature of your involvement in billing terms, compliance standards, and adherence to government regulations. Highlight your familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations and how this knowledge can positively impact your performance in the Billing Specialist role.

Explain your prioritization strategies, such as categorizing tasks by urgency and importance or developing a structured schedule to manage your time effectively. Provide an example of a high-pressure situation where you efficiently handled multiple accounts by keeping organized and focusing on the most time-sensitive tasks.

In your answer, emphasize how attention to detail directly impacts the accuracy of billing processes, client satisfaction, and the company’s financial health. Share a specific instance where your keen detail-oriented approach helped prevent or resolve a significant issue, showcasing your understanding of its critical role in the billing function.