https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140623123921-20017018-the-5-best-questions-a-job-candidate-can-ask

While you certainly have questions you like to ask (like these three), and maybe you ask one question to identify a superstar… if you’re an experienced interviewer you may almost always feel it’s a waste of time when you ask the candidate, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Why? The average candidate doesn’t actually care about how you answer their questions; instead they try to make themselves look good by asking “smart” questions. To them, what they ask is a lot more important than how you answer.

On the other hand, great candidates ask questions they actually want answered because they’re actively evaluating you and your company… they’re deciding whether they really want to work for you.

Here are five questions great job candidates ask:

“What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 60 to 90 days?”

Great candidates want to hit the ground running. They don’t want to spend weeks or months “getting to know the organization.” They want to make a difference right away.

Plus they want to know how they’ll be evaluated – so they definitely want to understand objectives and expectations.

“What are the common attributes of your top performers?”

Great candidates also want to be great long-term employees. Every organization is different, and so are the key qualities of top performers in those organizations.

Maybe your top performers work longer hours. Or maybe flexibility and creativity is more important than following rigid processes. Or maybe landing new customers in new markets is more important than building long-term customer relationships. Or maybe spending the same amount of time educating an entry-level customer is as important as helping an enthusiast who wants high-end solutions.

Whatever the answer may be, great candidates want to know because 1) they want to know if they fit, and 2) if they do, they definitely want to be a top performer.

“What are the one or two things that really drive results for the company?”

Employees are investments, and every employee should generate a positive return on his or her salary. (Otherwise why are they on the payroll?)

In every job some activities make a bigger difference than others. You want your HR staff to fill job openings… but what you really need is for HR to find the right candidates because that results in higher retention rates, lower training costs, and better overall productivity.

You want your service techs to perform effective repairs… but what you really need is for those techs to identify ways to solve problems and provide further benefits — in short, to generate additional sales.

Great candidates want to know what truly makes a difference for your company… because they know helping the company succeed means they will also succeed, on multiple levels.

“What do employees do in their spare time?”

Happy employees 1) love the work they do, and 2) genuinely like the people they work with.

Granted this is a tough question to answer. Unless the company is really small, all any interviewer can do is speak in generalities.

Even so, great candidates want to make sure they have a reasonable chance of fitting in with the culture — because great job candidates almost always have options.

“How do you plan to deal with…?”

Every business faces a major challenge: technological changes, competitors entering the market, shifting economic trends… there’s rarely a moat protecting a small business.

So while a candidate may see your company as a stepping-stone, they still hope for growth and advancement… and if they do eventually leave, they want it to be on their terms and not because you were forced out of business.

Say I’m interviewing for a position at your bike shop. Another shop is opening less than a mile away. How do you plan to deal with the new competitor?

Or say you run a poultry farm (a major industry where I live): What will you do to deal with rising feed costs?

A great candidate doesn’t just want to know what you think; they want to know what you plan to do — and how they will fit into those plans.

Now it’s your turn. If you’re an interviewer, what are great questions you’ve been asked – and what do those questions indicate? Or, if you’re interviewed, what questions do you like to ask?

http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/human-resources/2014/06/why-i-almost-punched-this-job-seeker-in-the-face.html?page=all

Why I almost punched this job seeker in the face

John Nemo, Contributing Writer
Jun 18, 2014, 8:10pm EDT

I wanted to punch a grown man in the face the other day.
He’d been out of work several months, and we decided to meet up for coffee at the suggestion of a mutual professional connection.
I spent 90 minutes pouring every ounce of passion I had into this guy, coming up with at least a dozen ways he could take his personal story and work history and create a new narrative both online and in person. I showed him how he could use tools like LinkedIn to circumvent the gatekeeper system and start connecting and engaging with the actual decision makers and hiring managers of the places he wanted to work at.

The guy just slouched lower in his seat, nodding meekly as I went all Sgt. Slaughter on him. It took everything I had not to jump up, shove the table between us aside, grab him by the collar and shout: “Hey! You want something? You have to go get it! You need to hustle! You need to show a pulse! You need to personalize your approach and show others how once they hire you, they’ll realize they can’t live without the value and benefit you bring their business!”

By the time we were finished, I was emotionally exhausted. I might as well have been trying to motivate a mannequin. As a test, I gave the guy my card and said, “Email me and ask me to make the introductions to the people I told you about or to give you more advice on the job search strategies I’m telling you about, and we can go from there.”
The guy never emailed.

The land of plenty
What makes encounters like that one all the more maddening is that we’re living in a time of almost limitless opportunity.
Think about it. We now carry a portable television studio (iPhone) in our pocket. We have the ability to broadcast our own television show to the entire world for free thanks to outlets like YouTube. We have the ability to create our own personal printing press or online company thanks to blogs and websites. (Again, for free!) We can write and publish books on the world’s largest bookstore (Amazon.com) for free in a matter of minutes. We can locate, engage and network with leaders and decision makers at every large and small business on the planet (again, at no cost) thanks to LinkedIn.
And your excuse for being out of work or staying stuck in a job you hate is what again?

Reality bites
Here’s the deal: You are going to die.
I don’t say this to be morbid, but rather to remind us all that you only get one shot to really live.
I believe you were put on this planet for a reason, and that you have a unique value and benefit to share with the rest of us — in the business world and beyond.
So why are you wasting another 24 hours sitting on the sidelines of life?
Why aren’t you chasing your dreams and doing what you love?

Passion. Purpose. Persistence.
Somebody turned me onto Napoleon Hill’s book Think and Grow Rich a few months back.
I was intrigued because Hill kept saying there was one simple secret behind the most successful people on the planet – men like Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and countless others.

What I discovered is that it really boils down to three things: Passion, purpose and persistence.

Passion is the activity we’d pay someone else to let us do, let alone doing it for a living and getting money for it.

Purpose is what we want out of life. And the more specific we can be about that, the better. Purpose also fuels Passion. As a mentor of mine likes to say, “You’ll never make seven figures with six-figure work habits.”

Persistence is the most important of all. The life you want and the career you crave will not happen on its own.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence,” Calvin Coolidge said. “Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

Arguably the greatest — and most clutch — basketball player in NBA history is Michael Jordan, winner of six NBA titles and five league MVP awards.
Jordan got cut from his high school team as a sophomore. He missed more than 9,000 shots during his career. He lost more than 300 games.
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life,” Jordan is quoted as saying. “And that is why I succeed.”

Let’s make a deal
The only thing holding you back from living the life you want and doing the work you love is you.
That’s why I wanted to punch that guy in the face the other day.
Will you make me a promise? Will you share this with someone who needs a kick in the pants? (If that person is you, print this post out and keep it on your desk!) Then send me an email or a social media message and tell me what your passion is and how you’re going to get after it.
Look, the last thing we need is one more professional working a job he or she isn’t passionate about. It’s bad for you, it’s bad for your customers and its bad for your employer.
I’m looking forward to your notes, and even more, I’m looking forward to where you’re headed.

See you on the other side!
John Nemo is a Minneapolis-based business coach and consultant. He’s the author of six books, including “LinkedIn Riches: How to Leverage the World’s Largest Professional Network to enhance Your Brand, Generate Leads and Increase Revenue!”

 

Big or Small – 5 Steps to Reaching Your Goals
June 19, 2014

We live in a “must have bigger, shinier, better than” type of society. There is a misconception that goals have to be big, have to make you a ton of money, and have to be approved by others! Personal goals are exactly that, personal. Little goals achieved are much more productive than big ones never reached! I work with people that desire many personal/career growths. Their goals range from building confidence and self worth, finding their passion, reaching/exceeding their career goals, living a positive life, becoming a more effective leader, increasing their sales, and many more. Some goals are very big and some are very small, however, they are all personal goals and crucial to each of them.

No matter the size of your goal, there is a method to reaching and exceeding it. I am writing this from absolute experience. This is made up of massive amounts of trial and errors on my part. After many failures of reaching set goals, I realized that simply writing a goal down and wishing really hard, did not produce results. I actually had to act upon it! Not only did I have to act upon it, I had to repeatedly act upon it. I tried to avoid this at all costs but oddly enough, the results ended up the same. The good news is that I removed my head from my butt and became proactive in reaching/exceeding my set goals! I would like to share with you a plan that was already discovered by many others, but how I made it work for me and may work for you as well.

1. Set your goal – Decide on your actual goal. Start off as large as you want and then begin to break it down until you find your goal. An example is “Be financially secure.” Break it down to its smallest form and realize the first step to your goal. Maybe it is only eating out once a week, or applying for the promotion at your work. Whatever the first step to achieving your big goal, becomes your set goal for now. Once you achieve that, move to the next step.

2. Make a plan – This is your attack plan. A plan in no way shape or form has to be in any specified format. It is your plan, make it work for you. I am a simple type of person so when I make an attack plan, I keep it to 5 steps max. Once I tackle the first 5, if needed I add another 5. This is very effective for me, however, you need to adjust yours until it works for you. The only time it will be wrong is if you quit. Other than that, keep adjusting.

3. Get to work! – Today is the perfect day to begin your journey to reaching your goal. You have set your goal and made a plan. Right now you have a piece of paper and a dream. The only way to move forward from here is to take action. Again, it is up to you how much action you want to take. Start at #1 of your plan and once complete, move to #2 and so on. A mistake I have made in the past was to do #1, hop to #3, dabble with #4, and bypass #5. My advice is to stick to your order as much as possible. Once each is completed, it will naturally lead you to the next. Nobody else can determine at what speed you need to be working. This is your goal, not theirs! The important part is that you are moving in a forward motion at all times! Do the work, reap the benefits!

4. Stick to it – This is the make or break one! Sticking to it will separate you from the triers and the doers. Keep in mind, if your goal was easy it would not have to be a goal. It takes effort, every single day! There will be days that you want to throw your hands up and quit. That would be easy, regretful, but easy. These are the days you find out what you are made of. How important is this goal to you? If you truly want to reach it, you will find the way to keep going! (You can contact me, I will give you encouragement!)

5. Reach Goal – YOU DID IT! Now it is time to exceed this goal. Enjoy and be proud of yourself, then find at least one way you can improve this goal immediately! Superstars are not made from doing the average. If you reached this goal, I bet you can exceed it way further than you ever thought!
Always remember, this is your journey, nobody else’s. Enjoy, and learn every single step of the way. When something works for you, share it with somebody else that is struggling. 

Debbie Dickerson

 

 

Growing company located in Katy is looking to add an Accountant to their team. 

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in accounting required. CPA a plus.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Analytical Skills
• Communications – effective listening, speaking and writing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; especially Excel
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Used to working in a team structure
• Knowledge of US GAAP accounting principles
• Knowledge of SOX, a plus

SOME DUTIES: • Timely completion of month-end, quarter-end and year-end close activities and journal entries
• Prepares journal entries by compiling and analyzing fixed assets and lease information from various sources
• Helps maintain and implement sound accounting controls
• Recommends changes for improvement in controls, as necessary, within a SOX controls framework
• Performs monthly analysis of account activity
• Performs balance sheet account reconciliations
• Develops strong relationships with departments outside of accounting
• Helps perform special projects, when needed
• Supports external and internal auditors, as needed
• Assist Team Lead and/or Fixed Assets Manager, as needed
• Maintains confidentiality over financial information.
• Required to learn company policies, procedures and safety rules.

Duties may change and associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/how-to/human-resources/2014/06/how-to-do-your-homework-before-a-job-interview.html?ana=e_hstn_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2014-06-18&u=glKEt+uVA4SWk8BOTgN7pE+OY41&t=1403099536

 

What one piece of company information stands out to the interviewer and shows that candidates have done their homework on the company?

Answer from Career Mojo:
There is more than one piece of information you need to show the interviewer to prove that you have done your homework. Here are the four key pieces of information to review before your interview:

1. Dissect the job description
Too many candidates show little to no understanding of the job requirements, since they haven’t read what the hiring manager wrote. Ensure that you understand every word, including acronyms. In addition, prepare notes that show where your unique experiences correlate with their requirements. Prepare to sell your attributes, including stories that will be examples of your skills.

2. Know the company’s various businesses
Spend hours on the web reading about them, and take notes.

3. Know the specific division, group, department or team that you are interviewing for
This is a sad – and true – story from one hiring interview I conducted at Microsoft. I interviewed a candidate for a mid-management position that would work with partners who were Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). The candidate clearly did not do his homework, because in the interview with me, he asked, “What does OEM stand for?”

4. Know yourself
Can you answer, “Tell me about yourself,” in three short bullet points? Be prepared to tell me about a time when you filled a requirement in the job description. This is called a situational interview question – expect it. These questions are becoming more common.

Dana Manciagli is a career expert, speaker and private coach. She has spent more than 30 years as a Fortune 500 sales and marketing executive, now retired after more than a decade at Microsoft. Dana is the author of the book, “Cut the Crap, Get a Job!” and a prolific blogger. She sits on the worldwide board of Junior Achievement and has her MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Basic Functions:

The basic function of this position is to process payroll and reconcile GL accounts related to payroll.

This position requires communication with all departments of  and its subsidiaries, Paycom personnel and various government agencies.

Specific Work Performed:

1. Payroll Specialist – Review timecards and payroll register for accuracy and make adjustments as needed. Sort and distribute payroll checks to various facilities.
2. Assist Controller and Assistant Controller with month end close, including reconciliation of various general ledger accounts and preparation of various monthly journal entries.
3. Preparation of monthly analysis schedules including:
a. Revenue per Labor Hour
b. Daily and weekly labor reports
c. End of month payroll accrual
4. Daily bank reconciliation for the payroll bank account.
5. Assist Controller with audit schedule preparation.
6. Assist Assistant Controller with various spreadsheets for management.
7. Perform any needed tasks requested by CFO, Controller and Assistant Controller.

Skills and Experience:
Accounting Degree or 3-5 years experience in industry 
Experience with accounting software
Computer literate including Microsoft Excel and Word
Multi-tasker, self-starter
Must be able to work in fast paced environment
Team Player
Overtime required for first week of the month and various other times depending on work load

Position Summary:

Plan, develop and coordinate the preparation of financial analyses and reports including, but not limited to, operational and capital budgets, financial statements, statistical reports, cost analyses and other financial information; perform complex and specialized assignments in assigned area of expertise.

Job Responsibilities:

Coordinate preparation of the Company’s annual operating and capital budget; development of the annual financial forecast, used as a modeling tool for determining appropriate funding levels and the corresponding impact on the allocated costs.

Prepare cash flow analysis based on projected budget.

Provide financial support related to capital projects, and serve as a resource and expert on capital budgeting issues and processes.

Collect, analyze and interpret financial data, and identify corresponding policy implications and/or recommendations.

Prepare various financial reports and analyses. Assist in monitoring and analyzing financial trends, prioritize opportunities for improvement, and facilitate efforts to implement enhancements to the processes and systems. Identify effective indicators of financial performance and assess performance compared with industry standards.

Prepare financial models and multi-year forecasts to provide an understanding of the economics of activities of projects assigned. Develop appropriate financial strategies to ensure the organization success and profitability.

Maintain liaison with business unit financial managers to advise units regarding financial position, cash flows, accounts, budgets, budget requests and related financial matters. Manage the financial analysis and reports for departments.
Assist in identifying operational problems, issues, and obstacles regarding financial services based on metrics data, internal audit reports, and input from budget managers.

OTHER JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The responsibilities of this position require the ability to coordinate the implementation of solutions; to identify and analyze accounting and financial reporting issues; to meet strict deadlines with accuracy.

Qualifications:

Work requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of five years of experience in budget development or financial analysis and forecasting.

Experience which provides the opportunity to collect and interpret data using different computer and statistical models, analyze trends and prepare reports, preferably in a university setting. Strong Excel skills required.

http://interviewsuccessformula.com/interview-tips/8-job-interview-tips-you-might-not-have-yet-heard-before.php?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite

 

8 Job Interview Tips You Might Not Have Yet Heard Before 

Anytime we’re looking for a job, we tend to ask lots of people or search the World Wide Web for hints and ideas. However, it seems like everyone is telling you about the same old things like writing a great cover letter, tailoring your resume to the job, widening your network and reaching out to it… All of these tips tend to get repeated over and over again.

Now, instead of hearing the same old advice, this article will give you some tips that you might have not heard. Without further ado, let’s take a look at them.

1. Whatever your interviewer is reading, read it.

Most likely, you’ve seen plenty of articles offering interview tips to job seekers. Yet, have you seen or read any article giving advice to the interviewers? By reading some of these, you’ll get a sense of what they’re trained to look for in an applicant and why they might ask certain questions. So, whatever it is you think the interviewer’s reading, you should read it as well.

2. Practice with a friend, and play the interviewer’s part.

A number of experienced hiring managers who have already interviewed many candidates say that they don’t get nervous at their own job interviews anymore simply because they’ve already handled so many interviews themselves and so already know how the interviewer’s mind works. This is actually true and beneficial. So if you have a friend who is also a job seeker, try to role play and practice with him or her and play the interviewer’s role.

3. Discover your fears.

Identify the questions you’re most anxious about, and if they’re about something specific like salary or why you left the previous job, don’t just hope and pray that it won’t be asked or that a good answer will come out of your mouth right at the moment. Instead, start assuming that these questions will be asked, and prepare and practice your answers over and over again. That way, it will be easy for you to answer these questions if they’re asked.

4. Is there a time slot available in the morning for the interview? Try to ask for it.

If there’s a morning slot that’s available for an interview, try to get that one. By getting it all done in the morning, you won’t have to worry about the nerves increasing as each hour passes during the day of the interview

5. Ask in advance (politely) whom you’ll be having the interview with.

It’s perfectly fine to ask for details about the interview, and particularly whom you’ll be meeting with. If you find out beforehand, this will decrease the pressure and fears you’ll get when you walk through the door on the day of the interview. Plus, you’ll have enough time to research about the person/s so that you’ll know how to prepare yourself for them.

6. Don’t come too early.

When candidates show up more than five or 10 minutes earlier than the expected time of the interview, most interviewers get annoyed. Why? They feel obliged to stop what they’re doing and go out to greet and welcome you. To avoid that, come early to the interview (because who knows if you’re going to face a traffic jam or other kinds of delays), but don’t walk through the front door until five minutes before your scheduled time.

7. Recommendation letters? Skip that part.

If you think that you’re strengthening your application by gathering recommendation letters from your past managers, you’re just wasting your time and theirs. If hiring managers want to speak to your references, they’ll ask you to provide reference contact information. So, skip these letters unless an interviewer asks for them.

8. Put the job out of your mind after the interview.

Don’t dwell on what happened in the interview. Once it’s done, it’s done. Don’t make yourself go crazy agonizing how it went or second-guessing your answers and trying to predict when the employer will get back to you. Put your mind at ease and keep yourself on track. Make a note on your calendar to schedule the follow-up if you haven’t heard back in two weeks.

Take note of these job interview tips; they’re unusual but definitely worth trying about. You might or might not have heard of them, but they can certainly help you achieve your goal of landing a job.

 

Growing Oil & Gas Company located in downtown Houston is adding to their team again! Are you looking for a company that provides excllent salary, bonus and benefits???? Well don’t stop now…read on!

 

Job Duties:

Month End Close / Financial Reports

Preparation and entry of Journal Entries

Intercompany Accounting

Bank account reconciliations

GL account reconciliations including resolution of discrepancies

Maintain a close checklist and close calendar

Monthly financial statement preparation and analysis

Monthly compliance reporting

Preparation of schedules for the annual audit

 

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Accounting Required

CPA or CPA candidate preferred

Working knowledge of GAAP

Experience with consolidations and intercompany

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)

Experience with accounting software

Great work ethic- lead by example character

A team player- always looking for ways to contribute to the Accounting team

Takes initiative on improving processes

Self-Starter- can work independently as well as a team player

Benefits:

10 to 30% bonus potential

Full medical, dental and vision paid by company

$100 / month gym membership…

Free downtown parking

Required: Public Accounting, CPA and Retail

247 total package

The VP & Division Controller will assist the EVP/Chief Financial Officer with maintaining the accounting records in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, issuing external and internal financial statements, evaluating the company’s internal control structure and coordinating the accounting functions within the department with Shared Services Functions.
Essential Responsibilities:
1. Direct all day-to-day technical and financial accounting activities and functions of Company, including: timely and accurate monthly financial reporting, consolidation and closing processes, including reconciliation of various financial statement accounts.
2. Development and implementation of strengthened internal control and accounting policies and procedures (both systematic and user functional to ensure data integrity and safeguarding of assets), while minimizing manual effort and ensure compliance with requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
3. Responsible for managing all aspects of the annual external audit, including fieldwork, preparation and review of audited financial statements and facilitating audit status/update meetings as well as coordination of the overall audit process with Finance.
4. Will be a key interface to the finance team, providing financial and accounting guidance and assistance to department leaders as required.
5. Develop and implement accounting department structure and processes to increase the efficiency of the department while establishing/maintaining an effective internal control structure, with self-audit procedures that will ensure the consistent application of accounting policies.
6. Develop a highly skilled and well-trained staff (provide appropriate training, coaching and career opportunities) to ensure the efficient and effective management of all functions, with the ability to support a rapid-growth company, always striving to “raise the bar”.
7. Develop effective means of communication with associates at all levels across the business to build a relationship of trust and respect, collaborating to resolve financial and related operational issues.
8. Responsible for understanding the business strategies, operations, and initiatives of assigned departments and ensuring proper accounting is applied. Also responsible for ensuring changes in retail store operations and customer offerings are properly reflected in the financial statements and accounting records.
9. Maintain in a manner acceptable to all government regulatory agencies and good order, all records and files assigned to this function and ensure the safekeeping and confidentiality of all company records including computer information. Responsible for oversight, operation and upkeep of data systems, software, hardware, and reporting systems.
10. Responsible for the timely preparation of accurate, complete and reliable, financial statements; ensure audited financial statements and notes to the financial statements are accurately prepared in accordance with GAAP; review and analyze financial statements to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.
11. Establish/Maintain an effective internal control structure, with self-audit procedures that will ensure the consistent application of accounting policies, including overseeing the timely and accurate preparation of account reconciliations. Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax, legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
12. Assist FP&A with the annual budget process to ensure timely and accurate reporting of final budget to Corporate Finance, including financial statements and all supplementary schedules. Also support FP&A with monthly variance analysis.

High growth company located on the west side of Houston is looking for a Senior Cost Accountant / Analyst for their team. This person would report directly to the Controller, but would interact heavily with plant managers. The ideal person will be able to work independently and take on new responsibilities as the companies continues to grow (growth plans: double in next 5 years). 

Some of the Key Responsibilities include: 
1. Inventory transaction processing o Purchase receipts
o Transfers between warehouses
o Physical inventory counts

2. Set up new item codes on the business system

3. Perform regular cycle counts of key inventory items

4. Prepare periodic surplus reserve review

5. Prepare journal entries for inventory o Sales/purchase accruals
o Adjust inventory reserves as appropriate
• Surplus
• Quantitative
• Obsolescence, if necessary o Reconciling corrections

6. Prepare monthly analysis of the inventory clearing account

7. Comparison and reconciliation to Production’s inventory listing Monthly

8. Reconciliation of the inventory sub-ledger to the general ledger.

9. Cost analysis for Production

10. Comparison and reconciliation of inventory records to 3rd party warehouses.

11. Coordinate the activities of the periodic physical inventory counts. Semi-annual, depending upon overall accuracy of inventory.

Summary

This position will be engaged as a member of the corporate accounting, reporting, and planning team in addition to taking an active role in the quarterly valuation process and has the potential to move into an Assistant Controller or higher role long-term. This role offers the opportunity to further develop accounting (including valuation) skills as well as financial planning and analysis skills.

Responsibilities
• GL accounting, reconciliation, review, and analysis
• SEC reporting
• Management reporting
• Audit coordination and facilitation
• Coordination and execution of quarterly valuation process and related reporting
• Budgeting and planning
• Assist the month and quarter end accounting close processes and be able to recommend and implement improvements where needed
• Special projects as directed by executive management

Skills/Qualifications
• Big 4 or Big 4/Industry combination experience is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Master’s in Accounting or MBA is a plus
• CPA is preferred
• Significant exposure to general accounting and financial reporting, including internal controls, is required
• 3-5 years of experience is required
• Strong knowledge of GAAP is required
• Must demonstrate leadership potential
• Must exhibit a strong work ethic and be willing to complete projects accurately under tight deadlines
• Should exhibit strong organizational skills
• Should exhibit strong excel skills

Job Description:

To assist finance leadership in organizational development, benchmarking, operational reporting, scorecards, management, reporting, performance management, measuring trends, budgeting, analysis and other financial activities with a limited functional or organizational scope.

Specific Job Related Duties

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Provide day-to-day management to the General Accounting Office. The Senior Finance Manager provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to staff regarding the proper accounting of revenues and expenditures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Specific Job Related Duties:
This includes prioritizing work flow and load; managing the monthly and annual ledger close process including recording of accrualss; financial statement review including variance analysis; maintenance of the general ledger; ensuring transactions are compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); management of State Appropriations; maintaining and enhancing the control environment; monitoring departmental cost center reconciliations; oversight of balance sheet account reconciliations; assisting with annual budget and forecasting; filing of statutory reports related to blended component unit; development and the reporting of operational metrics; technical and leadership training and development of staff; assist the Controller and Assistant Controller with the preparation of audit responses and the preparation of PBC lists; and employee satisfaction.

Preferred Education:

Masters of Accounting or MBA preferred

Preferred License/Certificate:

Certified Public Accountant preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for monthly consolidation in Oracle, prepare consolidated journals for current month processing, post consolidated journals, update Hyperion upon completion of consolidation, prepare consolidated by-legal and trial balance, run equity write-up at the end of each month and post journal, verify foreign currency translation exchange rates uploaded into Oracle. Minority Interest reconciliation. Prepare Non-consolidated subsidiary journal entry and reconcile associated balances on a monthly basis.

Prepare monthly internal operations books. Prepare Quarterly Board of Directors financial and graphs.

Coordinate and obtain monthly flash reports from operating divisions, and prepare and distribute the monthly consolidated flash report to Sr. Management.

Prepare Debt Covenant financial information and letter on a quarterly basis or as otherwise required.

Account analysis and review, preparation of quarterly/annual audit requirements, update Equite Write-up program for changes to ownership structure between parent and subsidiary relationships within the consolidated Core Laboratories global organization.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Accounting. Knowledge of SEC reporting requirements and minimum three years related General Corporate Accounting experience required.

Hyperion Planning & Budgeting, and Microsoft Office (strong Excel required). Financial Report Writer and SmartView skills preferred.

https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140602015225-1296727-12-habits-of-highly-effective-job-seekers?trk=eml-ced-b-art-Ch-6-8568985872722970252&midToken=AQEmfseMAjvmzg&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=1o9zcfNCweumg1&_mSplash=1

Never stop and never quit; that’s the motto of a job seeker who will never give up until he gets what he wants. A true go-getter does not get discouraged when he hits a stumbling block. Instead he views this as a challenge and is all the more inspired to do better. If you are constantly motivated, you will eventually realize that even in a down market, job seekers are not that powerless or without any alternatives. In fact, you have more control over your career circumstances than you allow yourself to think.

The following are strategies that consistently generate strong results for job seekers:

1. Be patient and remain positive.

A lot of job seekers tend to have a short fuse especially when they feel that time is running out. The longer you’re looking for a job, the more frustrated you become. To remain productive, pursue a handful of target companies on your list. If one opportunity doesn’t work out, you’ve still got others to look forward to. Another strategy is to be persistent in calling hiring managers for a follow-up, after you’ve submitted your resume or have been to an interview. Let them know that you are interested, but avoid being rude and impatient. Calling them once or twice every day will not get you any favors. Remember that the hiring process is usually extensive, and companies are just being careful in making their decision. Explore a lot of your prospects and always strive to keep an optimistic point of view.

2. Don’t underestimate the power of first impressions.

As you continue applying for positions in various companies, take care of how you interact with others. Attempt to leave a great first impression, whether it’s the secretary, the hiring manager or your fellow applicants. If you wish to differentiate yourself from other candidates, you must appear to be more eager, determined and serious to get the job. You must let them know how much you want to be there: show up early, dress smartly, be alert and be prepared.

3. Let employers know what you have to offer.

In every job interview, you have to convince the employer (or the hiring manager) why they should hire you out of all the other qualified applicants. The best way to do this is to identify the needs of the company and how you can fill them, using your skills and expertise. You must present yourself as an asset, and how being part of the team is a benefit to the organization, given your experience. Specify relevant challenges that you have overcome in the past, problems where you found practical solutions, and ideas that have produced tangible results. Employers always want to know that they are getting value for their money, and so you must convince them that hiring you is a definite advantage to contribute to the growth of the company.

4. Put together a portfolio.

It is never enough just to have a resume these days. As the marketplace becomes more competitive, people are finding new and creative ways on how to present themselves. One of these is by having a career portfolio. How extensive depends on the kind of work you do.

Usually it includes the following: a short (one-page) biography about your employment experience, a compilation of inspiring accomplishment stories, covers letters, and professional references. You can also include a list of your target organizations and a short marketing speech about yourself. If you are part of the creative industry, then you can also prepare a digital or printed book of your works (published or unpublished) – be it written articles, design samples.

5. Use the Internet to your advantage.

A lot of companies already have their own career websites and prefer to receive resumes and applications online. Some of them even use LinkedIn Pages or Facebook Fan Pages to engage possible candidates, using video testimonials of their own employees. Use the web to get in touch and engage with your target organizations and to research more about your industry. You can also create a website for yourself, and display your CV and portfolio there. Moreover, you can create a blog where you discuss topics that deal with your skills and experience. Build an audience through the use of social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter , Google Hangouts are a few examples to add to your credibility. And some even record their own introduction video and upload onto YouTube. By having a significant online presence and by presenting yourself as an expert on certain matters related to the position you are looking for, the right people will eventually find you. To support your networking activities, you can also use e-mail to keep in touch with your colleagues and other contacts.

6. Practice going to a job interview.

This is to improve your speaking and negotiating skills. Anticipate questions that might be asked during the interview, and prepare answers that are firm and direct to the point. Write a short speech (marketing spiel) about yourself, stating your job objectives, your experience and strengths that you can bring to the table, and commit them to memory. Practice negotiating about salary, compensation and benefits, among other things. Be polite, but firm. To gauge your performance, you can do any of the following tips: speak in front of the mirror, converse with a friend and act as if you’re in a real situation, or record yourself and listen to it later.

7. Build a network of reliable contacts.

These are people who have connections to your target organizations and industries. Keep in touch and meet with them regularly, and get to know them in a more personal capacity. Refrain from making your conversations strictly about business – ask about their interests, their families. Discuss ideas. Be sincere in building relationships with them. Don’t hesitate to offer your help where it is needed, even if you don’t get anything in return.

8. Improve your management skills.

As this is not your first walk in the park, there are a lot more things expected from you by future employers. Your capabilities may be something of value, but it is the years in your experience that makes you a target for bigger expectations and responsibilities. You’re no longer rank-and-file; you are a seasoned potential hire looking to secure a position at the executive level. You will be expected to handle teams, start projects, and deliver the big guns. Keep your skills current and relevant by attending seminars on career building and the like. Read up on business and industry trends, as well as organizational and strategic management. Talk to people who are in your field and learn from them constantly.

9. Nurture your brand.

You are your brand. You are what you sell to hiring managers and employers. Find your unique selling proposition, and cultivate that. Your strengths are your best marketing advantage, and you must position yourself as an expert at what you do at all time. Start by writing articles, giving presentations, speaking at events, or even teaching a class. Join professional and business organizations, and make every effort to get a leadership role. Be active in your community and win people over with your ideas and commitment.

10. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Weighing one person’s accomplishments against yours will only derail you from achieving more things. Accept that each life is different, and every person has his own path to take. Don’t waste time thinking of what could have been. Learn from your mistakes and start over again if need be. Many people go through a rough period while unemployed, but after a period of self-assessment, most realize that things happen for a reason. For example, one finds a job better than the last one and views being laid off as a blessing in disguise. Another who was forced to early retirement found more time to be with family and discovered another passion, which led to starting a business. The big lesson is: look at the big picture. Find the positive in your situation. Commit to this change in perspective and turn your adversity into a productive experience.

11. Never stop learning.

Continue developing your abilities by pursuing new things. Take classes, seminars or industry conferences that interest you, not just because it’s related to the work you are looking for right now. Enhance your credentials by getting a new professional certification. Enroll for lessons that are not necessarily related to corporate culture: guitar lessons, swimming lessons, even flower arrangement lessons. Keep your hands and your mind busy! Do all the things you’ve been meaning to do, but never had the time to. Explore the world that is out there, waiting to be discovered.

12. Live healthy, and live well.

Job search requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Eat well; get a lot of exercise, but rest when you need to rest. Have hobbies and enjoy doing what interests you. Get together with friends often. Spend time with your family. Don’t eschew routines and relationships at the expense of working hard to get the job that you want. If you take care of yourself, the good things will follow.

Performing a successful job search can bring in a lot of pressure. But end of the day, it’s still just a job. It is important to remember that it does not take precedence over things that really matter: a healthy body, people who love you, and a life to live to the fullest.

Wishing you the best

Ngee Key is the Founder of Springboard Talent, a coaching, training and consulting firm. Our mission is to help you to uncover your talent, maximize your potential, and equip you with strategies to create a fulfilling career.

Send me a Linkedin Connection invitation if you would like to connect. Do use this email address if you require one: ngeekey@springboardtalent.com

 

• FP&A – Manager – Odessa / Midland –  Oil & Gas Field Services – Will relocate
• FP&A Analyst – North Houston – looking for young professionals climbing the ladder (quickly)
• Senior FP&A Analyst – NW Houston – right hand to the VP – back office analytics – high exposure and visibility
• FP&A Lead – North Houston – Operational role, work with business unit lead of 1.5 billion dollar division 
• FP&A – Galleria – New grads with just a little finance experience needed for company looking to double in size…need 2! 

Email: dcd@fittsroberts.com with resume attached if interested. Happy Friday! 

Onshore Oil & Gas – Staff, Seniors and Lead Accountants – 4 openings!!!!! 

Must have E&P experience. 

West Houston: 

• Excellent Benefits! 50 cents to cover your whole family, $250 deductible
• Flex Hours (6:30am-3:30pm, 7am-4pm, 8am-5pm, etc.)
• Bonus program!
• Open due to two promotions!!

Downtown Houston: 

• Love to have fun – lean staff
• 9/80 schedule
• 25% bonus target (usually exceeds this)
• Equity 
• 100% paid benefits for Employee & Family – high deductible plan but they put the $ in an account for you to use

West Houston:

• On the “uptick” in terms of growth, all organic, no acquisitions, and will not be bought out anytime soon. 
• They LOVE to grow and develop their team(and promote them!), people who work for Murphy don’t leave because they are rewarded appropriately.
• It’s a big company, but they have a pure culture, you will not be just a number here! 
• • The whole team is “bought in” to the organization and everyone wants to see it succeed!

Our growing manufacturing / distribution client in the oil & gas industry with approximately 40M in sales is looking for a Controller for their accounting department. 

The Manufacturing Controller will be responsible for working across functions to establish accounting standards. In addition, the Manufacturing Controller will be responsible for full P&L responsibilities and the monthly financial package.

• Analysis and understand manufacturing location P&L swings. Including expense, absorption, variances, sale, and cost of sales. 
• Driving/leading plant cost roll and understanding the impact of manufacturing plant cost roll on product cost. Working with team to load appropriate data and establishing overhead rates in order to roll cost at least annually. 
• Support process improvements to improve efficiency and accuracy of group and the facilities you support. 

The Manufacturing Controller qualifications include:

• Degreed accountant (CPA/MBA/Public accounting experience a plus) 
• 5 to 7 years of experience with 1 to 2 years of supervisory experience preferably in the manufacturing industry with exposure to/through understanding of cost accounting and variance analysis 
• Basic understanding of cost variances
• QuickBooks Enterprise solutions software experience a plus 
• Advanced Excel skills a plus