Great article, but I do not agree with number 5. I would google counteroffers and form your own opinion about taking one.

How to Resign From Your Job Without Burning Bridges

By Sophie Deering

Via http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/

There are many reasons that you may have come to the decision to resign from your job. Whether you just feel it’s time to try something new, or you can’t wait to see the back of the place, it would be silly to burn bridges and therefore it’s important that you are tactful when it comes to breaking the news to your employer.

After all, it will be far more beneficial to the future of your career if you are to leave the company with your head held high, than to create bad feelings between you and your ex-employer and even colleagues.

So how can you go about resigning in a way that will reflect as well on you as possible? Here are a few tips for resigning in style.

1) Make sure you are 100% certain about your decision

Once you have let your boss know that you intend on leaving there’s no going back, so you need to be entirely sure that you are doing the right thing. If there is a specific reason that you want to leave, think about whether you have explored all options that could resolve the problem. The same goes for seeking out a new challenge, as there may be scope for development within your existing company if you bring your concerns to your boss’s attention.

2) Arrange a meeting with your boss

If you want to maintain ties with your employer, it’s always a good idea to arrange a face-to-face meeting with them, rather than merely delivering an impersonal resignation letter. Think about what you are going to say ahead of the appointment and stick to it. Make it clear that what you are doing is giving your oral resignation, in as diplomatic way as possible.

3) Be positive

You’ve made the decision to leave the company, so it’s likely that you have got a few issues with the place, but now is not the time to open a can of worms. Focus on the positives about your time working for the firm. You’re leaving the company now, so it’s probably time to let the negatives go.

4) Expect a reaction

Unless your boss is expecting you to quit your job, you should be prepared for how they may react to the bombshell being dropped. The news may come as a shock to them and they may become emotional or confrontational. Try to remain calm and composed and end the meeting on a good note.

5) Stick to your guns

If you have become a valued member of the team over the time you have worked with the company, chances are that your boss will be disappointed to see you go, so they may try to make you change your mind. If you are 100% sure that you want to leave, stick to your guns and politely let them know that your mind is made up. Unless of course they offer you an attractive alternative that would be foolish to turn down, in which case now is your time to negotiate!

6) Commit to your notice period

Most employment contracts will state that you must work a notice period upon resigning from your role, so that your employer has time to prepare for your departure. Though some employers are willing to let you off of your notice period, or may even want you to leave straight away, it is important that you show that you are willing to see out your notice period and do everything you can to help with the transition.

7) Put it in writing

Now that you have let your boss know your intentions, you should put it in writing to make it official. In your resignation letter you must include your name, date, your boss’s details, notice of termination of employment, the date you will be leaving and finally, your signature. If there is anything else you would like to include, that you may have missed out when speaking to your boss in person you can add it to your letter. Just keep it positive! For example, you may want to thank your boss for the opportunities they presented you and for the support they gave you during your time at the firm.

8) Do a thorough handover

Before you leave, make sure that you have completed all outstanding tasks that you were working on, so that somebody else is not left to tie up the loose ends. Participate in a smooth handover with whoever is taking on your role and be as cooperative and helpful as possible. You never know when you are going to cross paths with your colleagues in the future, so it’s in your benefit to leave on a good note!

Sophie Deering

Source: Your Boss Can Talk You Into Loving Your Salary

http://advice.careerbuilder.com/posts/5-things-to-leave-off-your-resume?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=B2CUS&linkId=18046105

5 things to leave off your resume

By – Debra Auerbach

It’s never easy to figure out what to put on your resume. What will that one line be that hooks the hiring manager? Will the way it’s formatted affect the decision? You may think that it’s safer to err on the side of including more, but if you load your resume with unnecessary fluff, it could guarantee your place in the reject pile.

Here are five things you should consider leaving off of your resume:

1. Objective statement: Objective statements, which usually start with, “I’m looking for a job that…” have long been considered passé. Employers aren’t reviewing your resume to find out what you want in a job; they want the resume to tell them why they should want you. If you’re going to include a statement at the top, make it a personal summary that acts as a condensed version of your elevator pitch. It should touch on your top skills and any major achievements worth highlighting.

2. References available upon request: Including a list of references or the statement, “References available upon request,” isn’t necessary, because it’s expected that you have references, should an employer request them. Instead of taking up valuable space, create a separate document that lists your references and their contact information, and have it ready to email or hand out as needed.

3. Outdated or irrelevant information: Resumes are about quality, not quantity. Hiring managers don’t have time to read through three pages’ worth of positions held, dating back to when you were a dog sitter in high school. Consider removing any experience that is more than a decade old, especially if it’s not applicable to the position for which you’re applying. Focus instead on experience and education that show you’re relevant and up to date on the newest skills and technology.

4. Personal attributes: Unless you’re applying for a modeling job or another position where looks are a factor, leave your picture off your resume. Most employers shouldn’t — and legally can’t — care about your appearance; they just want to know why you’d be good for the job. The same goes for listing personal attributes, such as your height, weight, race or age.

5. False claims: This should go without saying, but inaccuracies or over-embellished education or experience have no place on a resume. Besides running the risk of getting caught (were an employer to do a background check, talk to references or conduct a social-media search), why would you want a job if you’re not adequately prepared for it? If you don’t know what you’re doing, the jig will be up quickly, and you’ll just find yourself jobless again and having burned important bridges.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze Company operating results and develop revenue/expense variance reports and presentations for internal and external reporting.
• Liaise with business unit management to provide accounting support and management information analysis and recommendations.
• Participate in the month-end close process and support monthly close activities, including calculate and process monthly accrual and deferred expense journal entries and perform a detailed level review of the business unit operating results and statistics.
• Perform & review account reconciliations and journal entries to ensure accuracy and validity of accounting transactions and company books and records.
• Perform special projects as assigned by management including design and implementation of internal financial reporting, identifying process improvement opportunities and suggesting potential solutions.
• Respond to internal and external auditor requests for support documentation.
• Support effective operation of company internal controls.
• Application of GAAP, internal accounting procedures and best practices in support of structured financial control environment.

Required
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university
3 to 5 years of professional experience, preferably a mix of public accounting and industry

Preferred
Master’s degree in Accounting or similar advanced degree
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification
Strong understanding of PeopleSoft ERP
Working knowledge of Hyperion Planning and Essbase
Experience working with multi-currency ledgers and international locations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in managing and continuously improving the long-term corporate financial model.
• Provide analytical support to Business Units and corporate departments.
• Assist the organization’s Accounting team in the development of the budget, planning, and other requirements.
• Support CFO, Investor Relations, Strategy Group and Marketing with enhanced business and financial analysis at each quarter-end.
• Support Senior Management Team and Departments heads with financial analysis.
• Analyze current and past trends in key performance indicators including all areas of revenue, cost of sales, expenses, capital expenditures and free cash flow.
• Identify trends and recommend improvements accordingly.
• Develop financial models and analyses to support strategic initiatives.
• Coordination with Marketing, Operations, and Accounting to develop and maintain key drivers for business performance for use in many analyses.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years in a similar role in a business of similar size and complexity. Previous working experience in oil and gas industry is preferred.
• The individual will need extremely strong Excel and financial modeling skills with a background in corporate planning, investment banking, or similar environment.
• A strong understanding of accounting is critical, and a CPA, CFA and/or MBA are a plus.
• The person will need to be comfortable operating under tight deadlines and have the ability to effectively prioritize projects.
• A solid understanding of equity and debt capital markets is important.
• Must be a team player with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• The person will need to be able to work independently without continuous oversight.

Education, Training, Licenses and/or Certifications

• Bachelor and/or graduate degree in accounting, finance, or business; or equivalent relevant work experience preferred

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare quarterly tax accounting calculations for US Subpart F and certain foreign country income tax provisions. Review other foreign country income tax provisions prepared by other tax accountants.
• Prepare US tax compliance related to international transactions (Forms 5471, 8858, 8865, 1118, 5472, 1120-F, TDF 90-22.1, 5713 etc.) in CorpTax or manage and provide first level review of third party consultant work.
• Review foreign entity financial statements and corporate income tax returns prepared by third party consultants.
• Monitor transfer pricing for compliance with arm’s length standard, work with legal and accounting to properly document and charge out intercompany transactions such as rig leases, loans, administrative services charges and secondment fees etc.
• Work with third party consultants to provide data to prepare transfer pricing documentation studies for US and non-US jurisdictions as required.

Experience

Minimum of four years previous experience in a similar role
Experience with quarterly accounting for income taxes (ASC-740 f/k/a FAS 109)
Experience with US international tax compliance
Experience with foreign corporate income tax
Experience with transfer pricing
Familiarity with oil and gas services industry and equipment is a bonus.

Education, Training, Licenses and/or Certifications

Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in Accounting required
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

Controller

Do you love the real estate industry? Do you live on the west side of Houston and would love to shorten your commute time? Our client is growing so much they are ready to bring on an Assitant Controller or Controller to their team. This person would supervise a team of 7. We are looking for someone who loves to improve processes and procedures and someone who can isn’t afraid to jump right in and make changes.

Here is a snapshot of the controller duties:

• Manage all accounting functions (GL, A/P, Fixed Assets)

• Manage monthly close processes for corporate books and multiple financing portfolios

• Maintain accurate accounting / reconciliation of intercompany balances with sister company(ies).

• Preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages for lenders and internal management.

• Prepare financial statement consolidations monthly / quarterly or as requested.

• Manage annual budgets and quarterly reforecast along with cash flow forecasting.

• Coordinating and assisting as needed in document preparation for tax preparation with external CPA.

• Heavy involvement in the annual external financial statement audit process.

Requirements for the Controller:

• CPA preferred
• 7 to 10 years of accounting experience
• 3 plus year of supervisory

• Enhance product line analysis.
  1. Continue efforts to further improve cost standards for services performed and utilized equipment leveraging key metrics
  2. Develop pricing analysis to better identify price versus volume impact
  3. Conduct project proposal and project performance reviews implementing process where necessary
  4. Improve product line financial results through analysis, monitoring variances, identifying trends and recommending actions in partnership with the operating leaders
  5. Identify, develop and implement processes and system solutions to achieve the prior
• Perform Capital Expenditures analysis, budgeting and monitor variances to actual
• Conduct acquisition evaluation analysis and integration where successful
• Special projects as defined by the CFO 
• Perform additional finance or accounting duties as needed

Requirements:

• Knowledge of finance, revenue and cost accounting, budgeting, variance analysis and return analysis. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports and projections. Working knowledge of forecasting, rolling budgets, and product-line profitability analysis.
• Work requires professional written and verbal communication and solid interpersonal skills. Ability to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
•  A team player that works effectively with support and operating functions.
• The prior skills will likely be acquired through a combination of the completion of a Degree in Finance or Accounting and five plus years of experience – two of which will be proven working experience as an analyst.
• The successful candidate must have a strong work ethic, be a self-starter, and have strong analytical and Excel skills, with demonstrated capabilities in driving financial improvements through analysis, process change and use of systems. 

10 Choices Today That Will Lead to A Successful Tomorrow
https://s.ytimg.com/yts/jsbin/www-widgetapi-vfle5YmHB/www-widgetapi.js

Brief overview of role: Email me for more details. dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Description:

• Oversee the preparation and timely submission of SEC filings including the 10-Qs and 10-K
• Draft and review quarterly and annual financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, statement of stockholders’ equity, footnote disclosures
• Draft management discussion and analysis section of SEC filings, including variances analysis on operating results and cash flow activities

Required Skills:

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting
• CPA or CPA track
• Big 4 accounting firm experience
• SEC reporting experience

Overview:

• Timely close process through preparation or review of monthly close schedules, journal entries, reconciliations, etc.
• Prepare, analyze and/or review various internal and external financial statements, reports, depreciation schedules, and variance analysis
• Assist in the coordination and completion of annual financial audits and preparation of audit schedules
• Prepare reconciliations as necessary
• Prepare bank reconciliations on a monthly basis
• Apply project management skills including creating work plans, scheduling work to meet deadlines, obtaining documentation, preparing work papers, researching / resolving issues, liaising with external audit teams and especially communicating status of projects
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients

 Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• CPA Eligible
• Strong financial background including two or more years of work experience
• Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, v-lookups, interest calculations, present value calculations and other advanced formulas

http://bullseyerecruiting.net/why-lie-to-yourself-you-can-not-hide-from-recruiters/

Why LIE TO YOURSELF? You CAN NOT Hide from Recruiters!

Read more at http://bullseyerecruiting.net/why-lie-to-yourself-you-can-not-hide-from-recruiters/#EQLhLo7Lt0HfBzxl.99

Click to access Economy_at_a_Glance.pdf

Curious what is happening in Houston???? This is a good one to read!!!!!

Here are some highlights: 

1. Three factors drive our economy: Price of oil, value of the dollar and the health of the U.S. economy.
2. Job Count is negative – we have 22,000 less jobs than we did in December of 2014.
3. Leisure/hospitality, business services, healthcare and IT sectors have added the most jobs.
4. Our Houston Metro population is continuing to diversify: Anglo (37%), Hispanic (36%), Black (17%), Asian (7%)
5. Houston’s media age is 34.
6. Our labor participation rate is higher than the national average. 67.1 vs.62.9
7. Traffic is horrible! We have 2.9M commuters vs 2.2M in 2005! No wonder it takes me an extra 20 minutes to get to work now.
8. 31% of the population in the Houston area has a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
9. The median household income is 60K.
10. In 2014 we were the 4th largest economy by GDP.
11. Houston grew by 6.5% in 2013 and 1.6% in 2014. What will that number be in 2015?
12. Dallas grew the most last year (out of 20 largest metro areas).

Diane Delgado LeMaire

Source: You Got the Offer Letter – What Now?

Staff Accountant – Galleria
Senior Accountant – Galleria
Senior Accountant – The Woodlands
Fixed Assets Accountant – Galleria
Senior Consolidations Accountant – SE Houston
Senior Internal Auditor – NW Houston
Staff/Senior Internal Auditor – The Woodlands
IT Auditor – The Woodlands
Contract Compliance Auditor – The Woodlands
Internal Audit Manager – NW Houston
Tax Accountant (CPA Firm) – Downtown
Financial Analyst (Consolidations/Reporting) – Energy Corridor
FP&A Supervisor – Westchase
Managed Funds Administrator – Galleria
Controller – Services – SE Houston
Controller – Property – Sugar Land
Controller – Manufacturing – SW Houston

Interested or know someone that might be? Get more details and/or send your resume to me directly: dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Staff opportunity with a publicly traded company in the Galleria

Company Profile

Our client is a publicly traded industry leader with corporate headquarters in the Post Oak/Galleria area. The company culture is one of entrepreneurship, high performance leadership, ownership and partnership both in principle and practice at every level. This company strives to be the best in everything they do. If you are looking to surround yourself with the best talent that competes and wins as a team, this is a fantastic place to advance your accounting career.

Position Description – Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant reports to the Accounting Manager. The Staff Accountant role is responsible for assisting with the monthly closing and preparation of monthly financial statements in order to support the growth of the business and Company’s overall mission.

• The Staff Accountant will assist with the monthly close and review of monthly financial statements for a segment of the business.
• Review balance sheet account reconciliations identifying proposed adjustments, processing errors, and work with other departments to get them resolved.
• Identify necessary process improvements and work to get them implemented.
• Review cash reconciliations and verify they tie to the general ledger, the bank statement and balance to zero. Record any necessary adjustments.
• Satisfy audit requests.
• Special Projects & other duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits

Strong compensation package including base salary, and a variety of benefits including medical dental, prescription and vision insurance; vacation, sick and holiday pay; employee stock purchase plan; 401K retirement plan, and professional training.

Senior Accountant Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this role is a naturally curious learner, an entrepreneurial self-starter, a collaborative communicator with a service-leadership mentality. A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required, with a minimum of 1-4 years’ experience in the field.

Preferred but not required – Desire to obtain CPA license

Office Location Houston Post Oak/Galleria

Senior Accountant opportunity with an Energy Services company in the Galleria

Company Profile

Our client is a dynamic global leading provider of energy services with two locations in the Houston area. The company has a strong presence in a lot of the United States; this position sits in their Galleria office. The culture is fun, but professional, and family friendly. The company is known to embrace individuals’ career paths as they change and grow. With several different entities under their umbrella, there is tremendous opportunity to advance your career.

Position Description – Senior Accountant

The Senior Accountant reports to the Regional Controller. The Senior Accountant will be responsible for general ledger accountability, financial reporting, and financial profitability analysis as well as other special projects as assigned.

• This person will assist in leading the support of the accounting department in all phases of corporate accounting, including monthly close of general ledger and the compilation of financial statements and reports for assigned companies.
• The Senior Accountant will be responsible for knowing and understanding all processing duties within the company’s Great Plains G/L system, including coordinating journal entries, posting interface runs and entries, and performing research.
• As the company implements a new front office system, the Senior Accountant will play an important role in the redesign of financial processes impacting the general ledger. A strong work ethic, a sense of ownership in job responsibilities, and effective communication are essential to being successful in this role.

Compensation & Benefits

Strong compensation package including base salary, performance bonus and a variety of benefits including general healthcare, vision, volunteer work, and running/exercise.

Senior Accountant Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this role will have a bachelor’s degree in a business related field, preferably accounting, and 5+ years’ experience working in an accounting role. The ability and desire to obtain CPA licensure is preferred.

Preferred but not required – Microsoft Dynamics/AX system experience, CPA license

Office Location Houston Galleria

http://www.danamanciagli.com/how-to-take-control-of-your-career-right-now/

How to take control of your career right now by DANA MANCIAGLI

There are a couple of goals I have for the year ahead that are worth noting, and that I think would be helpful for anyone.

My first resolution advice is to take control of your career.

Remember, nobody cares about your career more than you.

Take control — you are accountable for change! Here are some quick ideas for how to get more fire in your career:

1. If you are job searching, change your game and learn new search techniques.
2. If you are stuck in your job, develop your Plan B and get out.
3. If you are waiting for that promotion, ask for it the right way.
4. If you are interviewing outside or within your company, focus on their needs. It’s not about you.
5. If you want to learn new skills or develop new techniques, commit to a development program.

Job search restart

My second resolution is to ramp up your job search. If you didn’t land your dream job yet, it’s time to change your game this year.

1. Stop just applying online and waiting, start networking to get in the “back door.”
2. Juggle 10 real job opportunities at one time; play the odds game rather than aiming for just one dream job.
3. Submit more than just a résumé. Stand out with a cover letter and something new: A candidate packet.
4. Get fluent on LinkedIn and do targeted networking to find recruiters and hiring managers of target jobs.
5. Update your interview skills. Times have changed, and you need to learn new techniques and be well prepared.
6. Phone interviews are on the rise, yet you won’t get the face-to-face interview if you blow it on the phone.

Take the next 30 days to focus on your career and learn new techniques for today’s highly competitive employment era. Buy a few books, start networking, and Invest in a career coach to speed things up.