Accountant II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Performs routine (journey-level) accounts payable tasks and serves as the functional specialist for the Regional Accounting Office. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Audits work of others for accuracy and ensures that corrections are made in a timely manner. Develops, evaluates and presents creative solutions to unit business and accounting needs and problems. Uses knowledge of Health and Human Services (HHS) Procurement policy to make decisions on proper payment methods. Serves as the first line contact with State Office Accounting, Budget, Purchasing, Asset Management, vendors, individuals, providers and other state agencies. Assists external and internal customers with understanding Accounts Payable rules and regulations. Work involves researching, resolving discrepancies, analyzing and processing accounting transactions. Provides backup coverage for others in the unit. Documents and shares the needs of our customers and may assist with additional tasks to meet those needs.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Coordinates, provides technical guidance and ensures accuracy of Accounts Payable operations of the agency. Specifically, creates complex manual vouchers necessary for agency payments and corrections. These include payments to professional medical vendors, vendors for goods and services, Client Worker Payroll, Petty Cash Reimbursement, procurement card payment, Interagency Transfer payments, and other invoices for the facility. Corrections include Expenditure Transfer Vouchers ETVs that correct accounting and coding mistakes, as well as moving funding.

Auditing and verification of all source documents (i.e. contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, vendor contracts, Texas Identification Number (TIN) applications) to ensure the validity of the invoice or payment request. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of the posted financial data as well as timeliness of voucher processing times. This includes classifying, coding and verifying the correct Account, program, fund, class and project grant are used on the voucher. Ability to use accounting tools, such as the Comptroller Public Accounts website to verify correct coding.

Directs agency staff and management, as necessary, to ensure the accurate preparation of all complex accounts payable related transactions, primarily for contract and administrative type payments; answers questions, researches problems and follows up as necessary. Coordinates with State Office Accounting and Budget staff to ensure validity of coding, funding, etc. and properly process the accounts payable transactions through the accounting system (Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) and Uniform Manual Statewide Accounting System (USAS). Maintains current and accurate list of funding, chartfield, and system records to ensure proper authorization and coding of accounts payable transactions.

The position performs in-depth analysis of vendor financial information and expenditures. The position successfully audits requests for payment for errors and ensures the errors are corrected in a timely manner to avoid prompt payment interest. Coordinates financial activities with managers, staff within the agency, and private entities to provide requested information within established timeframes.

Participates on special projects as required or requested and performs other duties as assigned. These tasks may require coordination with staff within the agency, other state and federal agencies, or outside entities. Completes projects successfully within the parameters established and performs other duties as assigned and as required to maintain effective and efficient departmental, division, agency and enterprise operations within established timeframes. Provide backup coverage for others in the unit and team members using a rotational task schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures affecting maintenance of accounting records.

Skill in the use of automated accounting systems.

Ability to review and audit the work of others to interpret and apply accounting theory, business processes and Comptroller policies and to analyze, consolidate and interpret accounting data.

Ability to efficiently process accounting information to ensure data integrity for positive audits and accurate reports.

Ability to effectively communicate, oral and written, with internal and external customers.

Ability to use Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in accounting and financial operations required, payables experience is generally preferred.

Experience with a computerized accounting or bookkeeping system.   

Graduation from a standard or high school or equivalent. 

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

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

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 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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form