Federal Revenue Accountant

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

Accountant IV performs complex (journey-level) accounting work related to the Cash Management of State, Collected, and Federal funds, and grant and revenue accounting information. Job functions include general ledger entry; journal posting; assisting with the preparation of monthly and annual financial reports; establishing, overseeing, and maintaining internal financial controls; reconciling accounting transactions; and cash management. May provide cross-training and guidance to other accounting staff on critical job functions. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and must have the ability to complete assignments within the defined parameters and deadlines.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Monitors, evaluates, and maintains cash balances of the various funding sources in accordance with Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) and agency's established procedures.
• Maintains the grant award ledgers and reconciles to Payment Management System balances.
• Coordinates with other state agencies to process federal funds draw down requests.
• Ensures the requested drawn down funds are transferred in a timely and accurate manner.
• Reviews payroll funding requests for cash and budget availability in appropriations, identifies potential funding issues and proposes solutions.
• Researches outstanding rounding and/or liquidation errors on the DFPS Draw Down Reports.
• Identifies discrepancies, prepares correcting entries and/or coordinates with other DFPS accounting areas to resolve discrepancies.
• Performs journal voucher entries in USAS and CAPPS
• Prepares detailed work papers in preparation for the annual CMIA Report
• Analyzes and recommends improvements or revisions to internal accounting policies, procedures, controls, and/or reports.
• Oversees and coordinates the establishing of new Dedicated Children’s Accounts with Greater Texas Credit Union.
• Routinely interacts with agency staff, other state agencies and the public.
• Reviews, evaluates, recommends updates and/or approvals of the Method of Expenditures adjustments submitted by budget department to Cash Management supervisor, and forwards on to Cost Allocation team for processing.
• Provides routine updates and reports on the status of the DFPS appropriation and funding source balances, coordinates with DFPS management, and Budget department to resolve any issues.
• Logs and distributes Notices of Award (NOA) to DFPS Finance area.
• Coordinates the conversion of grant award letters into accessible format and publishing to DFPS external website.
• Maintains cross-training on all accounting processes and procedures to be able to back up the other accountants including but not limited to receiving, depositing, reconciling, and tracking revenues; assisting and tracking year end close process for Cash Management Section; processing Expenditure Refunds and determining the correct coding for the collections/reimbursements.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain accounting operations, including assisting in other areas of the Cash Management unit and the Accounting Division.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge and experience in governmental accounting and financial operations, including Accounts Receivables, Reconciliation, General Ledger, and Financial Reporting.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of complex automated accounting systems, including CAPPS FIN, QuickBooks, and USAS
• Knowledge of State of Texas accounting procedures including GASB and GAAP standards
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work within established deadlines
• Ability to prepare concise reports
• Ability to interpret complex State and Federal regulations
• Advanced problem-solving skills related to administrative/accounting policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently with general supervision
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Four years full-time accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, financial operations, banking or budget experience.

OR

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a business related degree, and two (2) years full-time accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, financial operations, banking or budget experience.

Acceptable Substitutions:

• Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of nine hours of Accounting may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.
• Sixty semester hours from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of twelve hours of Accounting may be substituted for two (2) years of required experience.

Additional Screening Criteria:

• Experience in full time accounting, banking, auditing or related financial fields.
• Experience with accounting principles and procedures with preference for governmental accounting experience. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, Word and Access
• Experience in HHSAS/CAPPS Fin and USAS.

Additional Information:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 36B, LS, SK, 3432, 6F0X1.  All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.  For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.