About Harris County Auditor's Office:

The mission of the Harris County Auditor's Office is to be an independent and progressive organization recognized for professionalism in carrying out the County Auditor's statutory duties and responsibilities. The vision of the Harris County Auditor's Office is to create and maintain an environment of sound fiscal management and efficient financial operations at all levels of county government while providing support to Commissioners Court, County Officials, Department Heads, and the public with the highest level of integrity and financial stewardship.

The Harris County Auditor's Office keeps the general accounting records; prepares financial reports; prescribes systems for the receipts and disbursements of the County; audits and processes accounting transactions for grants, payroll, and invoices; verifies compliance with governing laws; performs statutory reviews of records maintained by other officials; and prepares annual estimates of budgeted revenues. The Auditor's Office includes a team of dedicated professionals committed to providing objective, value-added services that support the Office's mission, vision, and values and includes the Executive Division, Accounting Division, and Audit Division.

Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Financial Reporting Manager, the Senior Accountant provides support to all aspects of Harris County. The Accountant performs accounting assignments within the Financial Accounting Department utilizing an expert level of accounting skills, professional judgment, and established procedures.

The incumbent must be able to work independently and demonstrate knowledge of the Financial Accounting Department policies, procedures, and goals. The Financial Reporting Senior Accountant functions as a member of the Auditor's Office and Financial Accounting Team and

• Is responsible for assisting in the preparation of monthly reports, financial statements, and financial statement information and performing financial statement analytical reviews for Harris County
• Ensures that all financial data is recorded accurately and on time within Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policy and
• Works closely with other departments and entities regarding accounting activities

Key Job Functions:

Perform accounting and related tasks in a professional manner utilizing an expert level of account expertise; this includes:

• Complete approval of opening projects in a timely manner with minimal supervision. This includes the initial setup (placing on budget definition, tree, and approval) of a project, extending budget definition dates, and closing projects as requested.
• Complete the setup of accounts, funds, and departments as requested. This includes the initial setup which must be done as well as any name changes, and inactivating of departments, funds, or accounts.
• Process the monthly report submitted to Commissioner's Court for approval. This includes the preparation of the Treasurer's Report and the Newspaper submittal which must all be done.
• Process the annual 3 ACFR reports (HC, FC, and TR) for the County year-end. This includes the detailed review of the statements to the system for accuracy.
• Prepare the annual PAFR for submittal to GFOA for awarding process.
• Perform the review for any new potential Component Units to Harris County needing to be included in the annual reports.
• Process the annual 2 JV reports (TJJD/TEA) for the Juvenile Board's year-end. This includes the detailed review of the statements to the system for accuracy.
• Process the annual 3 CS reports (Federal-State/Baker St. Lease/CJAD) for the Community Supervision's year-end. This includes the detailed review of the statements to the system for accuracy.
• With minimal supervision apply the principles, theories, and concepts of accounting to assignments such as preparation of annual year-end journal entries, reconciliation, and preparation, analysis and interpretation of financial and regulatory data at a high level of proficiency and productivity.
• Implement new GASB standards as their effective dates advise.
• Gather information for support of any Public Information Act received.
• Prepare the tie out of each audit report submitted to the external auditors.
• Perform tasks in an organized and efficient fashion; this includes maintaining files and other documentation in an organized manner.
• Respond to change productively and manage the change while handling other essential tasks and projects as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external sources and keep management informed of issues and situations. This includes responses to the external auditors during each of the 5 audits we are responsible for.
• Ability to identify, analyzes, and corrects situations with minimal supervision,
• Effectively communicate with departments.
• Periodic overtime and weekend work are required.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field with a minimum of 30 accredited hours of accounting
• 3-5 years of professional accounting experience preferably in public accounting or equivalent
• Experience in financial statement preparation
• A thorough understanding of government accounting principles is preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using PeopleSoft
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimum supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills and organizational astuteness
• Work effectively with peers and others, including management across multiples department
• Be trustworthy and dependable
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office Word and Excel
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills
• Able to lift, carry, and or pull up to 15 lbs.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS AN EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL POLICY

APPLICANTS ARE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, OR DISABILITY.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.