TDA - Financial Services - Accounting Director (57554)

Accounting Director

Salary Information: B28, $9,166.66 - $11,250.00/MO. State Classification: Director III - 1622 FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Austin, TX Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

How To Apply: Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit.

Who Are We

The Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, and contracting. The Accounting Section manages the agency general ledger, accounts payable, travel, payroll, revenue, and develops agency financial reports, including the Annual Financial Report and Indirect Cost Rate Proposal. TDA receives payments for licensing and fees and Accounting receives and deposits these funds.

What You’ll Do

The Accounting Director will work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment performing highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. You will assist the Assistant Commissioner for Finance/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in directing and overseeing the effective management of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) accounting functions; develop, execute, and achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the division, manage complex issues, and be involved in long-term planning to contribute to the attainment of the agency’s goals, objectives, and mission. You will work on developing and establishing financial strategies, goals, and objectives; reviewing guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations; and developing, implementing, and evaluating accounting processes and reporting. You will work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct and manage the daily operations of the accounting section, including personnel management functions, timesheet approval, and performance appraisals and ensuring compliance with agency policies and administrative requirements.

Direct and manage the daily operations of the accounting section including accounts payable, travel, payroll, revenue, cash management, and financial reporting for state and federal funds. Ensure the accuracy of all financial transactions and records with regular reconciliation between State of Texas online accounting systems (CAPPS and USAS).

Oversee the month and year end close ensuring tasks are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with State of Texas guidelines.

Oversee agency travel reimbursements and ensure staff are meeting the 45 day reimbursement standard.

Oversee payables and ensure section is meeting requirements for prompt payment and interest accrued is minimal.

Adhere to all State of Texas reporting and submission deadlines as well as deadlines imposed by internal/external auditors.

Responsible for preparing and submitting the annual Indirect Cost Rate Proposal to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Responsible for preparing the Annual Financial Report (AFR) to the state Comptroller; federal and state grant reporting; and revenue and cash management reporting. Assist with the preparation of revenue schedules for the agency operating budget and Legislative Appropriation Request, as needed.

Develop, maintain, and review processes and procedures ensuring appropriate internal controls in accounting systems exist.

Develop guidelines, procedures, and rules for all regular activities. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including Comptroller rules and policies.

Ensure the division staff is technically proficient in meeting long-term operational goals through activities such as classroom training, team building, on-the-job training, operational manuals, job rotations, and special assignments and projects; ensure employees share knowledge through cross training and documented procedures.

Evaluate division operations, risks, and performance to identify opportunities for improvements and enhancements to internal processes and customer service.

Develop action plans and implement improvement activities.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Requirements for the Position (The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met - resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.) Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or related field. Six (6) years’ work experience administering complex financial, accounting, or budgeting programs for a governmental entity of which (3) years must have been in a supervisory, managerial, or director role. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing Work experience preparing annual financial reports. Extensive work experience in GL Accounting. Extensive work experience in month and year end close processes. Experience in payroll monitoring. A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field can substitute for an undergraduate degree and two (2) years of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Work experience in a complex financial, accounting, or budgeting program in a Texas state agency. Experience compiling the Annual Financial Report for a state agency. Work experience in a director capacity. Experience with both the CAPPS and USAS State of Texas financial systems.

Knowledge, Skills Abilities

Knowledge of governmental fund accounting; Texas state laws pertaining to public funds, governmental finance, automated accounting systems and Comptroller of Public Accounts accounting policies, the General Appropriations Act, and the Uniform Statewide Accounting System; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques; and the principles and practices of public administration and management. Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy; decision making, including assessing risk and using good judgement to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership; and conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems; and in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to supervise the work of others; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Physical Requirements Working Conditions

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends.