Accountant

Health and Human Services (HHS) serves the community under the guidance of the Commissioners Court. We address community needs through internal and external investments and services. We strive to maximize quality of life for all people in Travis County by protecting vulnerable populations, investing in social and economic well-being, building a shared understanding of our community, and promoting healthy physical, behavioral and environmental living.
 
Under moderate supervision, performs professional accounting services using standardized methods and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and County policies. Work involves preparing financial statements, schedules and reports, completing journal entries, maintaining ledgers, reconciling and verifying accounts, and monitoring revenue and expense accounts. Interprets and analyzes accounting data and financial reports and recommends action. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of three professional accounting-related job classifications within the Finance job family. Incumbents typically perform routine professional financial accounting duties that require the application of standard accounting theories, principles and techniques, and require the appropriate skill levels including basic skill levels in computer, analytical and communication skills. This classification is distinguished from the Accountant Senior classification in that incumbents usually consult with higher level accounting staff for advice and assistance and are not typically responsible for the more complex accounting functions. Duties require some degree of initiative and independent judgment. This classification typically performs duties at a department or office level. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, schedules and reports including completion of accounting entries and reconciliation of accounts and statements. Develops or assists in developing non-standard reports and statements, such as detailed cost and financial analysis, forecasts, trend analysis and projections. Monitors revenue and expenses for assigned accounts.
• Monitors Financial Compliance for External partners by auditing invoices and financial statements annually and monthly.
• Completes journal entries, maintains ledgers and prepares cost accounting information for general and grant funds. Verifies accounts and reconciles and analyzes entries, transactions, ledgers and reports. Maintains filing system of accounting data.
• Interprets and analyzes accounting data and financial reports and recommends action. Assists in developing and implementing accounting systems and procedures for Finance Division and HHS Department. Assists in annual general and grant budget preparation and ongoing maintenance.
• Assists department staff and other clients by providing procedural/financial information and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual systems. Provides assistance with and verifies required documents are completed, reviews for accuracy and submits to appropriate staff for further processing, as required. Instructs staff, in entering information into accounting system, as required.
• Assists in training, reviewing the work of, and providing technical assistance to lower level accounting staff.
• Serves as department's Travel Coordinator.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a directly related field AND two (2) years of increasingly responsible relevant professional level accounting or financial analysis experience. Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a directly related field may substitute for the two (2) years required experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:Preferred:
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standardized financial practices.
• Manual and automated systems relating to assigned function.
• Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Entering and reconciling financial data and reporting and monitoring fund and ledger balances.
• Completing professional financial reports.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Analyze, calculate, consolidate, reconcile and interpret accounting data and identify errors.
• Develop and maintain financial spreadsheets, accounts and ledgers.
• Prepare accurate financial statements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-15 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Two (2) positions available

Work Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Monday through Friday

Location: 502 E Highland Blvd., Austin

Department: Health & Human Services

Education, and Employment Background Check Required