Accountant Lead (SPW)

Travis County; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Travis County is seeking a seasoned accountant to perform a broad range of accounting and advisory services under general direction, adhering to GAAP and County policies. The role includes preparing detailed financial statements, schedules, and reports, maintaining ledgers, reconciling accounts, and supervising staff.

This Special Project Worker position runs through December 31, 2027, with/without renewal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance AND six (6) years of increasingly responsible relevant professional level accounting or financial analysis experience. Master\'s degree in Accounting or Finance or a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads or supervises staff and provides technical expertise and guidance.
• Prepares or leads preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, schedules and reports; develops non-standard reports and analyses.
• Oversees journal entries, ledgers, and cost accounting data; reconciles accounts and maintains filing systems.
• Interprets accounting data, recommends improvements, and assists in budgeting and policy development.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP and internal controls; recommends improvements to strengthen controls.
• Provides client support and guidance on accounting systems and procedures; performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leading projects

Analytical skills

Financial reporting

Communication

Problem solving

Staff supervision

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Six years of relevant experience

Master's degree substitution for experience

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Under general direction, performs a wide range of professional accounting and advisory services using standard and specialized methods and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and County policies. Work involves preparing detailed financial statements, schedules and reports, completing specialized journal entries, maintaining ledgers, reconciling and verifying accounts, and monitoring revenue and expense accounts. Functions as a lead worker over lower level accounting and other staff and provides technical advice and assistance to staff.

This position is a Special Project Worker with an end date of December 31, 2027, with/without the possibility of renewal.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the third in a series of three professional accounting-related job classifications within the Finance job family. Incumbents typically perform complex professional financial accounting duties that require the application of standard accounting theories, principles and techniques, and require the appropriate skill levels including intermediate to advanced skill levels in computer, analytical and communication skills. Incumbents work independently and exercise professional judgment in solving intermediate to advanced technical problems within assigned function. This classification is distinguished from the other accounting job classifications in that incumbents typically lead or supervise staff and make recommendations for accounting systems and policy changes to management. Duties require a substantial 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.

• Leads or supervises activities of subordinate accounting and/or other staff. Plans, directs, organizes and schedules the activities of an accounting function or accounting functional areas. Assigns work, trains or facilitates training, provides technical expertise and assistance to staff, and provides input into and may evaluate subordinate performance. Reviews the work of assigned staff.
• Prepares or leads preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, schedules and reports including completion of accounting entries and reconciliation of accounts and statements. Develops non-standard reports and statements, such as detailed cost and financial analysis, forecasts, trend analysis and projections. Completes a variety of special accounting studies. Monitors revenue and expenses for assigned accounts.
• Oversees the completion of journal entries, the maintenance of ledgers and the preparation of cost accounting information. Verifies accounts and reconciles and analyzes entries, transactions, ledgers and reports. Leads the maintenance of filing systems of accounting data, such as canceled checks, bank statements and other documentation.
• Interprets and analyzes a wide variety of accounting data and financial reports and recommends alternatives and action to be taken. Identifies informational needs of management and leads the revision or refinement of account structures or data accordingly. Participates in developing and implementing a variety of accounting systems and procedures for department. Drafts standard and specialized financial policies and procedures. Assists in budget preparation and maintenance.
• Monitors compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for assigned accounting area and ensures staff performs duties accordingly. Maintains accounting controls and financial security by following policies and procedures and internal controls and recommends improvements to reinforce and strengthen controls. Decides proper handling of financial transactions and approves transactions within designated limits.
• Leads the assistance of department staff and other clients by providing procedural/financial information and/or other information and guidance with automated or manual systems. Provides solutions to problems presented by management and staff, recommends changes to accounting system, methods or procedures, and implements approved changes.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a directly related field AND six (6) 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 two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements

None required.

Preferred:

Lead or supervisory experience.

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.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:

• Leading projects and related staff.
• 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 departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, 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.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday.

Location:

5325 Airport Blvd. Austin, TX

Department:

Health & Human Services

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: [e-mail]

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.