Accountant VI

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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Brief Job Description:

Performs highly complex accounting work and financial analysis with a high degree of accuracy and minimal direction.  Performs all tasks with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the Financial Reporting Unit Manager and requires an extensive knowledge of various agency systems including, but not limited to: CAPPS Financials and CAPPS Asset Module applications, the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS), and the Texas Statewide Property Accounting System (SPA) . Work involves, but is not limited to: preparation of the Agency's Annual Financial Report, the Agency's Annual Nonfinancial Report and the Agency's Federal Indirect Cost Rate Proposal, Agency Fee Manual, Construction in Process tracking, Agency Fixed Asset Analysis and related reconciliation in coordination with HHSC AMO/Property Accounting/Accounting department personnel, and may conduct work at the direction of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Monitors financial activity, participates in audits, ensures policies and procedures are current and centrally located, prepares complex journal entries and analyses of USAS and CAPPS Financial coding elements for proper revenue and expenditure classification, and prepares related reports. Requires working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and federal and state rules and regulations relating to DSHS financial operations, and skill in the use of database and spreadsheet applications.  This position is eligible for Teleworking.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1. Reporting.

Prepares assigned agency financial reporting with a high degree of accuracy and follows established procedures. Reporting includes but is not limited to: Agency Annual Financial Report (AFR), Agency Annual Non-Financial Report, Agency Federal Indirect Cost Rate Plan, Agency Fee Manual, and Property/Fixed Asset Reporting. (40%)

EJF2. Financial Transactions

Monitors the financial transactions for appropriate classification of revenues and expenditures. Prepares complex journal entries and related analyses.

Prepares ongoing Property Asset/Fixed Asset reconciliations, including system reconciliations between SPA and CAPPS Financial. Reconciliation performed will be accurate and timely reconciliations and according to established procedure, in coordination with HHSC staff.

Tracks Construction in Progress and makes related entries. (20%)

EJF3. Process/System Development

Participates in the analysis of processing system functionality and recommends changes as necessary. May contribute to design and specification gathering for technology staff in the development of computer systems for financial applications. (15%)

EJF4. Audits

Works closely with both internal and external audit staff, including state and federal.  Contributes to preparing audit related responses and corrective action for assigned responsibility areas/tasks.  Works with management to address audit-identified systemic issues that impact the agency. (10%)

EJF5. Policy/Procedure

Recommends and implements agency accounting and financial policies and procedures in accordance with statute and professionally accepted standards.  Ensures all procedures are documented and centrally located, and staff are cross trained in assigned duties.  May participate in the review of agency policies regarding financial reporting and related responsibilities and may be called upon to serve as subject matter expert for policy revisions. (10%)

EJF6. Other Duties as Assigned.

Performs related duties as assigned that include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures.

Knowledge of State accounting operations.

Knowledge of USAS

Knowledge of HHSAS

Knowledge of federal and state law relating to DSHS financial operations.

Knowledge of State of Texas accounting procedures for state agencies.

Skill in written and oral communication.

Skill in the use and implementation of automated financial systems.

Skill in documenting procedures and processes.

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Ability to prioritize workload and deadlines.

Ability to understand and follow instructions.

Ability to retain records according to all applicable rules and regulations, including supporting documentation used to produce work products.

Ability to apply accounting theory and procedures to detailed and complex problems.

Ability to work with numerical detail for long periods of time.

Ability to use database, spreadsheet, word processing and electronic mail applications.

Ability to handle several tasks simultaneously.

Ability to handle interruptions of work and maintain accuracy in work produced.

Ability to use good judgment in applying DSHS policies and procedures.

Ability to maintain effective relations with administrative personnel of DSHS, other state agencies, and the Federal Government.

Ability work effectively as part of a team.

Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and maintain working relationships.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Required longevity in prior positions such as 2 years and intermediate Excel skills.
• Experience in state expenditure laws and regulations

• Experience in property management
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information:

All applicants will be required to complete a skills test to demonstrate proficiencies and perspectives associated with this role at the time of the interview.

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