Houston Employment Update August 2017

Click to access Employment_Update.pdf

 

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area lost 18,300 jobs in July, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The loss was to be expected. The metro area always cuts 12,000 to 16,000 jobs mid-year, the bulk of the losses in state and local education (i.e., school districts, community colleges and state-funded universities) as educators on nine- and 10-month contracts roll off the payroll. The region typically
recoups these jobs in the fall when they return to work.

Four sectors reported significant job losses in July:
• Government cut 16,500 jobs for the reasons noted above.
• Construction lost 5,000 jobs. The boom in chemical plant construction continues to
wind down and office and warehouse construction remains subdued. The sector has
cut 12,500 jobs since peaking in October ’15.
• The leisure and hospitality sector (e.g., hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment)
cut 1,800 jobs. Like education, the sector always losses jobs mid-year. This year’s loss
is on par with the long-term average. Employment growth typically resumes in the
fall.
• Employment in “other services” (e.g., repair, maintenance, personal care) is often flat
or experiences a slight loss in July. This year was no exception. Other services lost
1,100 jobs last month.
Monthly job gains in upstream energy (+1,000), finance (+1,700) and health care (+1,400) were insufficient to offset losses elsewhere. Though the gains in oil field services offset losses in exploration and production, the increases may be ephemeral considering the domestic rig count slipped five of the past nine weeks. The rates are not
seasonally adjusted. Minor gains and losses have occurred in the various other sectors.

As noted in the August issue of Houston: The Economy at a Glance, the gains in
employment services remain a concern. Companies, worried about the recovery’s
strength, seem reluctant to move contract workers to permanent status. A fundamental
shift in staffing patterns may also be underway, with companies now relying more on
part-time workers than they have in the past.
The 12-month data tell a much better story. The region created 54,200 jobs in the 12
months ending July ’17, with the bulk of the growth coming in manufacturing,
professional and business services (almost exclusively employment services), health care,accommodations and food services, and government. (See accompanying table.)

As noted earlier, the Partnership is concerned about the gains of employment services
and remains skeptical of the gains in manufacturing given the weakness in the energy
sector, wholesale trade, and durable goods exports from the region. The same skepticism
holds for accommodations and food services as well, due to the decline in total wages
and salaries for the region.

Readers are cautioned that all numbers that TWC reported today are preliminary and will be revised, perhaps significantly, in March of next year.

Houston’s July unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, down from 5.3 percent in June and from 5.8 percent in July ’16. Texas’ unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in July, down from 4.7 percent in June and 5.1 percent in July ’16. The U.S. rate was 4.6 percent in July, up from 4.5 percent in June but down from 5.1 percent in July ’16. The rates are not
seasonally adjusted.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Department

Patrick Jankowski, CCR
Senior Vice President, Research
713-844-3616
pjankowski@houston.org

Jenny Philip
Director, Economic Research
713-844-3615
jphilip@houston.org

 

Houston Purchasing Managers Index

The Houston Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a short-term leading indicator for regional production, registered 51.8 in July, signaling economic expansion in metro Houston for the 10th consecutive month, according to the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management-Houston (ISM-Houston). The July reading is unchanged from the June PMI.

The industries that are expanding based on the July reading are manufacturing,
transportation, wholesale trade, professional services, and health care. Engineering and
construction contracted for the fifth straight month. All other sectors reported minimal
monthly changes.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Department

F&A Recruiter! CFS is hiring in Houston!

CFS is adding a Recruiter to our amazing Houston Team. We are looking for a smart, stable, successful professional to apply his/her business and sales acumen and add value to our clients and candidates. Our Houston office is a top billing office for CFS and is comprised of a dynamic, fun, motivated and successful people. The entire team is highly focused and commitment to servicing the needs of our clients and candidates and working as a tight-knit, collaborative team.

If you have considered a career in the staffing industry OR if you are already in the industry but are seeking a change, see what CFS has to offer. We have experienced tremendous success transitioning individuals from administrative staffing and individuals from public accounting who enjoy business development.

Why work for CFS?

ü We were founded by leading public accounting firms. This large national network helps us to attract the top accounting talent in the market.

ü We are employee-owned!

ü We have 40 offices nationally. We offer excellent infrastructure, training, corporate-run marketing programs, sales incentive trips, competitive comp plans and career advancement. At CFS, you have all the benefits of being part of a national company, while still enjoying the close-knit, family-feel of your local office.

ü Check out CFS’s approval rating on www.glassdoor.com.

ü CFS offers a culture that is unique to the staffing industry. If you’ve worked for the corporate giants of the industry, you may be tired of the micro-management, the unattainable metrics and the lack of flexibility in your work day.

Overview of the role

  • Recruit accounting and finance professionals for specific positions through networking, direct sourcing calls, and internet recruiting.
  • Interview accounting and finance professionals to determine skill sets and career goals.
  • Work closely with your candidates to provide career guidance & match with appropriate job opportunities at client companies.
  • Obtain new clients through direct marketing efforts.
  • Work closely with hiring managers at client companies to assess job opening(s), represent appropriate candidates, and manage the interview/offer process.
  • Manage the interview process between your candidate and client, including relaying feedback between parties & salary negotiations.
    Handle all appropriate follow up with your candidates and clients to build meaningful and productive relationships.

The ideal fit for this role:

  • Proven track record of success in staffing, B2B sales OR 1-4 years in public accounting
  • Ability to confidently and effectively communicate at all levels in an organization
  • Good at connecting on social media and via email, but even better at picking up the phone and making things happen
  • Takes ownership of his/her work
  • Driven, competitive, and self-motivated
  • Good sense of humor

CFS Background

We are an employee-owned national staffing organization that focuses exclusively on accounting and finance. We were founded by leading public accounting firms. This large national network helps us to attract the top accounting talent in the market–a distinct competitive advantage. Both CFS and our CPA firm founders place high importance on integrity. This value is carried through our relationships with candidates, clients, and within the team.

Benefits & Compensation

Your overall compensation plan will include a competitive base and commission structure. You will also participate in monthly, quarterly & annual national sales contests with rewards such as all-expense paid trips to tropical destinations. We offer competitive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, & 401K plan.

Keywords: staffing, recruiting, recruiter, executive recruiter, accounting, finance, public accounting, Big 4, CPA, sales, business development, account manager, account management

Senior Property (commercial) Accountant – Galleria – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Our Client is an established, fast paced and entrepreneurial commercial real estate company located in the Galleria district. They have a work hard play hard mentality and are looking for a senior commercial property accountant to join their team. The position responsibilities include analyzing financial information in preparation for entry into various financial statements and accounting reports, and making appropriate journal entries for recording in the general ledger by checking calculations, reviewing basis for figures, and balancing and reconciling figures, and balancing and reconciling balance sheet accounts.  The ideal candidate should have great verbal and written communication skills, as they will be in constant communication with third parties to assist in completing pre-close and close activities, answer questions, provide support, and ensure timely completion of accounting processes for on-time client and Company reporting.

Why Work Here?

  • Free lunches everyday
  • Ability to work in an entrepreneurial environment
  • Benefits after first month of employment
  • Discretionary bonus

What do you need to work here?

  • Commercial property management accounting experience required
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required!
  • Yardi and Timberline software experience is preferred
  • At least 6+ years in a Property Accountant role
  • Experience with CAM Reconciliations

 

Controller – San Antonio,Texas

Controller- 90-105k, 10% bonus

The controller is responsible for directing the accounting functions of an affordable housing organization. These functions include establishing and maintaining the organization’s accounting principles, practices, procedures and initiatives. Prepares financial reports and presents findings and recommendations to top management.

The position serves as the primary resource to the CFO in treasury management, forecasting, accounting and budgeting efforts of the organization and its affiliates.
ABOUT MY CLIENT:
My client is a stable and growing mission driven organization with both non-profit and for profit entities. We are seeking a rockstar Accountant/Controller to join their team of ~15. The ideal candidate will possess leadership qualities, have experience with systems conversions and implementations, be a CPA or CPA eligible, and a true “go-getter”. Experience in audit, Property management, construction, and non profit are preferable. However, if you do not possess the industry experience, it is imperative you are a fast learner and are eager to grasp new concepts!

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with 100% paid medical benefits, a great team, and flexibility in your work schedule.


MAJOR JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTROLLER:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. Manages the Finance Department for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports including, but not limited to, internal and external monthly financial statements and annual audits and annual budgets.
  2. Responsible for coordination of annual audits for multiple entities.
  3. Oversees and manages appropriate regulatory compliance requirements.
  4. Monitors the activities of the accounts payable department to ensure the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, purchase orders, petty cash, core employee expense reports, cash control, core payroll processing and total corporate payroll tax compliance.
  5. Assures corporate income tax compliance to assure the accurate and timely completion of all corporate income tax returns for multiple entities, taking full advantage of all favorable tax codes.
  6. Establishes and maintains systems and controls that verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data, and enhance the company’s value.
  7. Responds to CFO as assigned with accurate and timely work to facilitate financial needs.
  8. Responsible for coordinating and completing all deadline-focused projects.
  9. Participates in a wide variety of special projects and compiles a variety of special reports.
  10. Leads and directs the work of others within the departmental hierarchy.
  11. Assists in driving change of organization’s strategic initiatives, including automated financial and management information systems for the organization.

 

Competencies

  1. Financial Management.
  2. Technical Capacity.
  3. Performance Management.
  4. Ethical Conduct.
  5. Communication Proficiency.
  6. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.

Supervisory Responsibility for the Controller

This position is responsible for managing the accounting department. Must demonstrate ability to plan, direct and/or supervise the work of others, and delegate responsibility and authority. Must maintain a positive work environment by creating job motivation and enthusiasm and have the ability to resolve conflicts in positive ways.

Required Education and Experience

  1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
  2. CPA certification.
  3. Eight to ten years of hands-on accounting managerial experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

  1. Five years corporate audit experience preferred.
  2. Knowledge of and previous experience in HUD/Affordable Housing Regulations
  3. Property management and/or non profit or construction industry experience

Houston Economic Update from GHP

Click to access Economy_at_a_Glance.pdf

EMPLOYMENT AT MID-YEAR

Metro Houston added 22,900 jobs in the first half of ’17, an improvement over the comparable periods in ’15 and ’16, when Houston posted significant losses.

The region will undoubtedly finish the year with net job gains, likely adding more than the 29,700 jobs in the Partnership’s original forecast, but still short of the long term average of 60,000 per year. How short? That depends on how the second half of ’17 plays out, whether current employment trends reflect a cyclical pattern or a fundamental restructuring of the economy, and how accurately the Texas Workforce Commission is measuring current employment trends.
Six sectors account for the bulk of job growth to date— employment services; manufacturing; food services and drinking places; arts, entertainment and recreation; health care; and other services. As a group, they’ve added 48,900 jobs through June. Three sectors account for the bulk of Houston’s losses—retail; transportation, warehousing, utilities; and wholesale trade. As a group, they’ve cut 27,800 jobs. Lesser gains and losses have occurred in other sectors. Energy remains an enigma.

SECTORS ADDING JOBS

Employment services (primarily contract workers) leads all other sectors, adding 10,600 jobs since January. That’s a near-record six-month performance. Employment services has added 16,000 jobs since June ’16. That is a record 12-month performance.

Gains or losses for the sector foreshadow gains or losses for the broader economy. In a downturn, firms lay off contract workers before cutting permanent staff. In a recovery, firms often hire contract workers to handle the increase in business, placing them on the permanent payroll as growth gathers steam.

Employment services has trended upward since November ’16 and now stands at an all-time high. In a normal recovery, growth should have plateaued by now, giving rise to gains in other sectors, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Two possible explanations:
• Employers still worry about the recovery’s strength and remain reluctant to move contract workers to permanent status, or
• A fundamental shift in staffing patterns is underway. Just-in-time inventory systems have been in place for years. Just-in-time staffing (i.e., reliance on contract
workers) may be the next step.

For more information: 

Click to access Economy_at_a_Glance.pdf

 

CFO – Texas – Rio Grande Valley – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

***Need TXDOT experience*******

*****Great for Controllers ready for the next step******

*****50M dollar company*****

Our client is a stable & growing organization in the heavy civil construction industry with a solid reputation for integrity, honesty, and dedication to providing superior quality to clients for over 10 years. They have had over 20% growth year over year and are forecasted to nearly double in size within the next year to 2 years. Due to this rapid growth, my client is in need of a proven Accounting Professional to join the team as CFO and provide leadership and support to help take them to the next level!

We are looking for someone self-motivated, energetic, and driven that is looking for their chance to prove themselves in a fast-paced environment…someone who is proactive & forward thinking, has experience with high growth companies, strong technical accounting skills, and is not afraid to get into the weeds to provide a helping hand when needed.

We are seeking candidates who are willing to give their all in this role. In exchange for your passion and dedication, my client can offer you an entrepreneurial and rewarding environment where employees are highly respected, valued, and rewarded. When you prove yourself capable and deserving of this opportunity, you can enjoy many other perks to include unlimited PTO!


Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the CFO:

Directs financial activities for my client company and its subsidiaries by performing the following duties:

  • Oversee the activities of the Accounting Department for the accurate and timely processing of financial management including, but not limited to, daily cash management, bank reconciliations, internal and external monthly financial statements, coordinating the month-end and year-end closing process and annual audits and annual budgets.
  • Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
  • Must be willing and able to assist accounting staff in day to day accounting tasks when needed
  • Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and year-end close process
  • Review inter-company billings to parent company, including the follow up of payment
  • Prepare reports to summarize and forecast company business activity and financial position in areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations
  • Responsible for daily cash management operations, short-term cash forecasting and all aspects related to the management of operating cash flow.
  • Provides sales/expense analyses, identifying potential problem areas and opportunities for improved profitability relative to forecasts.
  •  Prepares consolidated financial statements as well as individualized financial
    statements for business units and present to upper management/ownership
  • Oversee and manage all general ledger activity, investigating irregularities Manage assigned members of the accounting department, expand the team, and guide them through operational changes.
  • Directly supervises employees and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable government finance regulations, including filing and/or maintaining of required forms, payroll taxes and deposits, and income taxes. Prepare reports required by regulatory agencies.
  • Advise management about insurance coverage for protection against property losses and potential liabilities. Direct determination of depreciation rates to apply to capital assets.
  • Act as Network administrator, establishing and maintain systems and controls, which verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data.
  • Oversee and manage any outsourced functions (e.g., payroll, sales-tax, Federal and State Taxes)

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the CFO:

  • Exceptional working knowledge of GAAP
  • 5-10 years experience in all aspects of accounting.
  • Proven supervisory experience.
  • Strong organizational and management skills.
  • Ability to see the big picture while focusing on the process and procedures necessary to produce deliverables.
  • Job Costing
  • Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
  • Flexibility and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Accounting degree and public accounting experience preferred.
  • CPA highly preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player.
  • Proficient knowledge of Excel, problem solving and analytical skills required.

Education and Experience Required for the CFO:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance plus CPA certification.
  • Heavy Civil Construction Industry Experience a MUST (Commercial or residential construction experience is not a substitute)

#CFO #thevalley #hiring #Accounting #Finance #jobopening #Job

Division Plant Operations Controller – North Houston.

Our client is a leading manufacturer who has been in business for over 60 years. They are private equity backed and growing by acquisition and organic growth. They are a global producer of custom sealing solutions. They have locations in the US, South America, Europe, and Asia. They are located north of the Woodlands.
They are seeking a Division Operations Controller with 7 to 10 years of cost accounting experience in a heavy inventory setting for this newly created role!

Why work here?
• Discretionary Bonus
• International Exposure
• Opportunity to make this role your own!
• Highly visible role. Work with GM, CFO and upper management!
• Company is in acquisition mode, but also growing organically with the market shifting.

Requirements:
• 7 to 10 years’ experience. Combination of cost & inventory accounting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• MS Office experience
• Great leader and go-getter personality!

List of Current Job Openings July 31, 2017

 

Downtown & Galleria:

  • Senior Project Accountant – Engineering Firm – Deltek required
  • Senior Accountant – Midstream – Degree and major ERP required – $10B
  • Treasury Accountant – Investment Firm – A+ environment
  • Pipeline Accountant – Midstream – Pubic accounting required
  • Revenue Accountant – E&P – 4-7 years strong revenue experience – $8B
  • Royalty Accountant – E&P – 4-7 years strong royalty experience – $8B
  • Senior Auditor – mid-size CPA firm – long-term Partner opportunities – CPA required
  • Corporate Accountant – property management – CPA required
  • SEC Accountant – O&G services – public accounting highly preferred
  • Tax Accountant – large regional firm – O&G and/or strong provisional work required
  • Senior IT Auditor – O&G services – 10% travel – $2B
  • Business Analyst – Payroll focus – Workday required
  • Senior Auditor –  O&G services – true management rotational program – 30% travel – $20B+
  • Senior IT Manager – O&G Services – looking for heavy hitter, Big 4 highly preferred – $20B+
  • Staff Accountant – Healthcare – public accounting required
  • Assistant Controller – Commodity Trading – Industry experience required
  • CFO – Non-profit – strong leader + industry experience
  • Senior Accountant – Investment firm – Big 4 with high performance reviews
  • HR Manager – healthcare – strong generalist needed
  • Income Tax Manager- CPA firm – strong domestic provision experience and CPA required

NW Houston:

  • Assistant Controller – O&G services – 2-4 years Big 4 required
  • Production Analyst – 1-3 years E&P accounting (either in production, revenue, or royalty)
  • Senior Internal Auditor – O&G services – 50% travel
  • Controller – distribution – CPA, public, and industry required

North Houston:

  • Cost Accountant – manufacturing – standard cost required
  • AR Accountant – New grads! – “Manager in Training”
  • Staff Accountant – manufacturing – degree required
  • Leadership Development Program – major O&G company – Big 4 required
  • Payroll Manager – construction – in-house multi-state payroll required
  • Staff Auditor – consumer goods – 1-3 years internal or external audit – SOX required

West Houston:

  • Corporate Controller – chemicals – Hyperion Essbase & consolidations required
  • Senior International Accountant – chemicals – Intercompany and international accounting required
  • Property Accountant – real estate/property experience required
  • FERC Accountant – growing midstream company
  • SEC Accountant – public accounting or SEC required – growing midstream company
  • Corporate Controller – professional services – Big 4, CPA, and Great Plains required

SE Houston:

  • Junior Accountant – chemicals – new grad or someone pursuing degree, go-getter
  • IT Audit Manager – manufacturing – Big 4 required

SW Houston:

  • Grant Accountant – education – 2-4 years GL experience
  • Inventory Analyst – O&G services – 1-3 years GL experience, highly prefer inventory

San Antonio:

  • CFO – Heavy Civil Construction – , High growth company – Unlimited PTO – CPA highly preferred
  • Controller – High Tech Manufacturing – CPA REQUIRED, SOX, SEC, GAAP, Public Company Experience a must
  • Assistant Controller – High Tech Service Company – PE Backed Company
  • Controller- Property Management Company
  • Tax Partner with Regional Firm
Forth Worth:
  • Plant Controller – Manufacturing and advanced excel

July 2017 Newsletter for Accounting & Finance Professionals from Diane Delgado LeMaire @ CFS


 Industry News and Updates

We have hit the half way point of 2017! I cannot believe the 4th of July has come and gone and that we are less than a month from football season kicking off (Go Texans & Coogs!). As I take a step back and look at CFS Houston for the first half of 2017, we have seen the market finally rally! Even though we were off to a slow start in the first quarter, things really picked up steam in the second quarter. Based on how we are trending right now, I am confident that the second half of 2017 will continue to have a strong demand for hiring. In the many years I have recruited in the Houston market, the strongest have always been August, September and October. You might be wondering what the slowest months are – this is not the case every year, but typically they are January and July.

If you’re looking to make a move, it’s the right time to start dusting off and updating your resume. If you don’t feel like you’re in a position to accept the right offer “today,” then it probably makes sense to hold off until you are, as you don’t want to invest time and effort interviewing if you’re not truly looking to make a move. The good news is that unemployment continues to fall, which creates a low supply of talent to match a high demand for talent. If you’re in that “wait and see” mode, that is okay too. Just let me know when you are ready. I hope to be your go to recruiter when the time is right.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. See you again in September!  

Local Statistics:

  • National Unemployment Rate: 4.1 (last year 4.5)
  • Houston Unemployment Rate:  5.1 (last year 4.9)
  • Labor Participation Rate: 62.8% (last year 62.7%) – January 2007 66.4% (Why are there not more people coming back into the job market nationally?)
  • Manufacturing Index: 54.1 (last year 45.8This jumped up a lot of in the past two months!!!!
  • Oil Rig Count: 893 (last year 407)  
  • Price of Oil:  $51.06  (last year $40.75)
  • Industries hiring:  Manufacturing, Real Estate, Consumer Goods, Limited Oil & Gas is coming backNon Profit, Public Accounting Firms!!!! 
  • Positions in demand: Audit, IT Audit, Staff Accountants, Controller roles are coming back, SEC

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