Sr. Accountant

Job Summary
Travis County 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.
This position will assist with the financial planning and execution of a new Travis County initiative, Raising Travis County, with a team that will strategically implement the Voter Approved Fund for Child Care and Out-of-School Time Programming.
The Accountant, Sr. is under limited supervision, 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 journal entries, maintaining ledgers, reconciling and verifying accounts, and monitoring revenue and expense accounts. Interprets and analyzes a wide variety of accounting data and financial reports and recommends action.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of two days per week onsite. Onsite requirements are subject to change based on operational and business needs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the second in a series of three professional accounting-related job classifications within the Finance job family. Incumbents typically perform moderately complex professional financial accounting duties that require the application of standard accounting theories, principles and techniques, and require the appropriate skill levels including intermediate skill levels in computer, analytical and communication skills. Incumbents work relatively independently and exercise professional judgment within assigned function. This classification is distinguished from the Accountant Lead classification in that incumbents typically are not responsible for the more complex accounting functions and do not have formal authority for leading or supervising lower level staff. Duties require a moderate 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.
Duties And Responsibilities

Prepares 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.
Completes intricate journal entries, maintains ledgers and prepares cost accounting information. Verifies accounts and reconciles and analyzes entries, transactions, ledgers and reports. Maintains filing system 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 action. Identifies informational needs of management and revises or refines 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. May assist in budget preparation and maintenance.
Monitors compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Maintains accounting controls and financial security by following policies and procedures and internal controls. Decides proper handling of financial transactions and approves transactions within designated limits.
Assists 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 lower level staff and recommends changes to accounting system, methods or procedures.
Trains or assists in training, reviewing the work of, and providing technical assistance to lower level accounting staff making ledger entries, completing reconciliations and trial balances, maintaining payroll, purchasing or travel records and completing other accounting and bookkeeping work.
May perform specialized accounting functions, such as grant accounting, accounting related to a collections program, or other types of accounting functions.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a directly related field AND four (4) 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:
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:

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.
Work Environment & Other Information
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: HHS_HR@traviscountytx.gov
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.