Accountant III - InvProcessing

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description: 

The Accountant III performs moderately complex (journey-level) accounting and financial analysis work, involving technical assistance in examining, reviewing, and analyzing accounting records, and overseeing the preparation of financial analyses and reports. Responsibilities include establishing, maintaining, and overseeing accounting systems, procedures, and controls, and preparing agency reports. Specializing in the payment of vendor and grant invoices, this role also provides technical advice to department and program staff on proper accounting treatment and budgetary matters. The Accountant III reviews and determines appropriate account codes and chart field information for accounting documents, including vouchers and invoices, and utilizes various software applications such as CAPPS, USAS, HHSAS 8.8, Hal-File, Invoice Tracking, Excel, and Word. Additionally, the role involves compiling statistics and budgetary reports, preparing ad hoc reports for management and department staff, and supporting and training other accounting staff. This position operates under general supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment and is eligible for teleworking.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

List in order of importance the essential job functions.  Following each EJF, indicate in parentheses ( ) the percentages of time spent.  Percentages should be in increments of 5% and not exceed 100%.

Uses Microsoft Access/Excel/Word, HalFile, USAS, and HHSAS to perform essential job functions. Reviews and prepares vouchers/invoices for entry, coordinating account codes and chart field coding. Works with program areas for approvals and funding issues. Trains staff on fund usage and state guidelines. 40%

Serves as subject matter experts for account codes and accounting rules. Identifies funding issues and communicates with budget and program management. Reviews and approves ETVs and POAs related to voucher coding and payments/revisions. Provides technical assistance to department staff on voucher processing and tracking. 20%

Works with Manager and Group Leads on staff training, performance, and production. Coaches and trains staff as needed. Coordinates internal and external staff training. Keeps staff informed of process changes and ensures compliance. 15%

Assists with preparing weekly staff performance tracking and status reports. Compiles financial statistics and reports for management review. Prepares Voucher, POA, and ETV processing performance measures.

10%

Assists in developing training materials for financial modules and conducts training sessions as required. Facilitates agency personnel training and assists management with expenditure analysis and projections.10 %

Other duties as assigned that include, but not limited to:  serve as back-up to other Accountants; assist branch as needed; assist in the development of and participate in special projects; maintain current procedures; actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery and continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge

 List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Knowledge of bookkeeping/accounting principles and rules related to accounts payable.

Knowledge of financial administration, governmental accounting, budget control methods, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to fiscal operations.

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Knowledge of state accounting and budgetary procedures, including legal restrictions governing state accounts payable guidelines.

Skills:

Skill in advanced software such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Halfile, Invoice Tracking, CAPPS 9.2, HHSAS 8.8, USAS, PeopleSoft, and other governmental financial applications.

Skill in monitoring and analyzing payments.

Skill in processing financial transactions.

Skill in preparing financial reports and performing financial analysis.

Skill in coding expenditures using chart field and chart of account information.

Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and work effectively with others.

Ability to draw on skills and knowledge to anticipate potential issues and recommend solutions.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.

Ability to lead the work of others, including training, approving documents entered by others, overseeing work, and preparing and presenting training presentations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

 N/A 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance, or similar field. Two years of work experience can serve as a substitute for a college degree in one of the majors listed above or a similar field. Experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, Word and Access. Experience in researching, reconciliation, and processing Accounts Payable. Experience with automated accounting systems. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional Information: 

N/A 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form