Accountant IV

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.

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The Travel Accountant IV performs complex accounting work as a Team Lead for the Texas Department of State

   Health Services (DSHS) Travel Branch. Researches and reconciles discrepancies in accounts, bank statements,

   appropriation balances; and reports findings. Uses varieties of Accounting System software applications such as

   CAPPS Financials, HHSAS, USAS, eTravel, Travel Reimbursement System (TRS), Excel, and Word to perform

   essential job functions. Assist with eTravel remedy tickets from IT help desk. This position communicates on a

   complex level with others both internal or external customers. Provide and verify information, answer inquires,

   address issues or resolve complaints.  Maintains the DSHS Travel Advance Fund and its monthly reconciliation

   and annual certification. This position serves as a backup for the Centrally Billed Car Rental and Tolls. Provide

   complex technical assistance to DSHS Travelers regarding policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards or

   requirements. Provides training on proper use of account codes, DSHS and Comptroller travel policies. This

   position is responsible for auditing travel reimbursement vouchers and assist in data entry into CAPPS Financials.

   Assists in training new travel team staff as well as providing basic travel training to new agency employees

   monthly. Processes general journal entries. This position assists the Group Lead with overseeing the processing of

   agency expenditures. Assists with the preparation of ad hoc reports requested by management and department

   staff and budget staff. This position works under general direction with moderate latitude for use of initiative and

   independent judgements.

The position is hybrid with 40% in-office work at DSHS Headquarters in Austin and 60% remote work (telework).
 

 IV.  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

       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%.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other

duties as assigned. (%)

30% Research and analyze travel vouchers and communicate professionally with departmental staff via Comments field in eTravel, by phone, or by email to obtain information necessary to correct a reimbursement or relay information. Research, analyze, audit and approve refund of revenue, and expenditures, adjustment, corrections to vouchers and process corrections into CAPPS Financials, and eTravel. Maintains the DSHS Travel Advance Fund and its weekly, and monthly reconciliation and annual certification of Petty cash fund. Ensures agency compliance with state requirements, policies, and procedures in financial areas. Contacts current and former employees regarding outstanding vouchers or amounts owed to the fund and follow up on same. Loads credit amounts onto DART cards for agency employees and responds to inquiries billed on the cards as well as on individual billing accounts of agency personnel. Interact with other Departments to ensure coordination and compliance with all policies and procedures.

25% Maintenance of individual state travel charge card account applications and submission to CitiBank for processing, accounts close or increase/decrease credit lines and close DART cards. Serve as liaison between departmental budgets, vendors, and other agencies on all matters relating to payment vouchers, including problem resolution and interpretation of law, rules, and regulations. Ensures vouchers are approved and coded accurately and in accordance with all state and agency regulations. Identify discrepancies or deficiencies related to processing vouchers, payment distribution and vendor setups and initiate necessary corrective action. Prepare related reports and correspondences using Word and Excel software programs. Process Advance Travel Request. Issue Travel advance cards. Reviews and prepares vouchers/invoices for entry.

15% As a lead provide necessary training, and technical assistance to staff. Review team members work. Employee enters balance payment vouchers into CAPPS and emails travelers timely to advise of payments issued and faxes and files accompanying paperwork. Provides technical assistance on accounting matters related to voucher processing and tracking. Uses Microsoft Access/Excel/Word, Halfile, CAPPS, USAS, eTravel and, HHSAS to perform essential job functions. Plans and coordinates training of team on the Advance Travel process. Assists staff with the use of CAPPS Financials, USAS, and eTravel

15% Work on IT eTravel remedy tickets from assigned from help desk. Place delinquent travelers on warrant hold with State Comptroller office when indebted to agency for travel expenses and remove Traveler from hold when debt is satisfied. Assign work to travel team staff when needed to assist rest of team with audits.

10% Run queries and Reports from internal accounting system and USAS. Assign and take corrective action to resolve issues in regards to expenditure process. Participates in assigned Work group meetings on a weekly or as needed basis. Conduct monthly webinar basic travel training to introduce new and other employees to mechanics of how travel office works and how to request CBA items, review allowed limits. . Employee enters balance payment vouchers into CAPPS and emails travelers timely to advise of payments issued and faxes and files accompanying paperwork. Provides technical assistance on accounting matters related to voucher processing and tracking.

5% 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.                                                                                                

Total Time Spent: 100%

V.  LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

 List the licensure, certification or registration required to perform this job:    

None

VI.  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

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

Knowledge of accounting procedures related to accounts payable. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting

principles and procedures affecting maintenance of accounting records.

Skills in the use of Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Word. Skill in the use of automated accounting systems.

Skill in responding to customer’s inquiries and handle difficult customers in a tactful and diplomatic manner. Skill in

reconciliation of financial data, review and audit the work of others. Skill to interpret and apply accounting theory,

business processes and Comptroller policies. Skill to analyze, consolidate and interpret accounting data.

Ability to efficiently process and analyze accounting information to ensure data integrity for positive audit results

and accurate reporting. Ability to apply accounting theory to difficult and complex transactions. Ability to effectively

communicate complex issues using written and verbal communications. Ability to establish and maintain effective

working relationships with supervisor and co-workers. Ability to handle various tasks simultaneously while meeting

strict deadlines.

Ability to review, interpret and apply processes to successfully make payments.

Ability to effectively communicate, oral and in writing.

Ability to use Microsoft Office application

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance, management, or another business-related field.

Experience with accounting principles and procedures; preference for governmental accounting experience and Travel experience

Relevant experience over the minimum may substitute for college on a year for year basis.

Experience in researching, reconciliation, and processing Accounts Payable or Travel

Three years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, auditing, or budgeting preferred.

Experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, Word and Access.

Experience with automated accounting systems.

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