Specific Work Performed:

1. Payroll Supervisor – Transfer time from ADP EZLabor time and attendance to ADP Pay Expert.  Review 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. Variance analysis of general ledger accounts.
4. Preparation of financial statements using FRx report writer.
5. Preparation of monthly analysis schedules including:
   1. Inventory Trend
   2. AR Aging Summary
   3. Revenue per Labor Hour
   4. Working Capital Turns Calculation
   5. Trailing 12 Month Dashboard support
6. Daily bank reconciliations.
7. Assist Controller with audit schedule preparation.
8. Assist Assistant Controller with various spreadsheets for management.
9. Calculate depreciation using FAS and record depreciation in GL.
10. Assist Controller with maintaining budgets.
11. ‘Transfer cash for payroll funding.
12. Perform any needed tasks requested by CFO, Controller and Assistant Controller.

Skills and Experience:

Accounting Degree or 3-5 years experience in industry or public accounting

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

Corporate tax experience a plus

Overtime required for first week of the month and various other times depending on work load

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/eag.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Economy+at+a+Glance+-+March+2011+3363&utm_content=Economy+at+a+Glance+-+March+2011+3363+CID_08f4c7d81752cf2c0863bed561d7386b&utm_source=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=Download+the+Economy+At+A+Glance+PDF

Manufacturing company is seeking to hire a progressive, career-oriented accounting professional at their corporate headquarters in Houston, TX.

Responsibilities include management of audit seniors and staff, periodic site audits (internal controls-SOX and operational), corporate department audits, monitoring compliance with company policies, provide value by identifying opportunities to improve processes and profitability, M&A due diligence, and special projects. The position will report to the Vice President – Business Compliance.

Travel for this position will vary but is expected to be 30-40% on average, and is expected to be domestic U.S. travel. Candidates must possess solid technical accounting knowledge and experience with SOX, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Experience with IT controls and fraud investigations are a plus. An accounting or finance degree is required. Internal audit or public accounting experience required.  Candidates pursuing or holding a CPA or CIA certification is required.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the finance functional leadership for the enterprise wide ERP implementation for the global Information Technology (HCIT) business unit.  This initiative will drive common processes and metrics across the enterprise and institute a single face to the customer.  The candidate will provide functional leadership, planning and technical support in a partnership with the IT function for the introduction and implementation of finance related Peoplesoft ERP technology across the business.   Additionally, the candidate will work with a cross-functional leadership team from each region and P&L, as well as, other business units to lead the necessary changes to each business process impacted by the transition from existing ERPs to Peoplesoft.  This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and will work closely with the leadership team.

Specific Leadership Responsibilities Include:

• Hands on Project Management – responsible for timeline and functional resource synchronization across cross functional teams in multiple geographic regions – anticipate and mitigate conflicts and disputes
• Single point of contact for all finance related ERP system functional requests and initiatives.  The scope includes finance specific ERP functionalities in scope such as General Ledger, AR, AP, Billing, OTR amongst others
• Collaborate with BI Leader who is aligned to FP&A organization to develop Business Intelligence strategies and solutions that improve the visibility of key business metrics.
• Create a strong linkage with Service, Supply Chain and Sales teams.  Be the Finance representative on initiatives to connect front and back end systems and help ensure the success of overall system development that improves customer experiences and drives productivity.  Recruit, retain, develop and lead a team of 5 ERP finance employees, 2+ simplification employees, and build an international ERP team.

Specific ERP Responsibilities Include:

• Define program strategy, and the plans required to achieve strategic objectives.  Set program priority and resolve resource and people time conflicts across business initiatives
• Define detailed functional requirements in a partnership with IT as input to systems design and implementation plans while minimizing the need for system customization
• Establish a regional capability that will enable growth through simple and scalable platform
• Partner with IT to budget and control expenses for ERP initiatives and programs
• Develop business case for all programs, including cost to execute and benefit or return expected.
• Provide regular updates to the business leadership team on progress and escalate as necessary to remove issues.
• Advocate business and functional priorities to development teams as required for an effective solution design.
• Reject or approve solution designs for the functional area.
• Set measurable goals and objectives for the direct team, and provide leadership in the evaluation of the team against these metrics. Identify opportunities for improvement proactively.
• Develop relationships across all sites and functions to effectively lead change initiatives
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement change proactively and ensure the required end-product capacity is in place before it is required by customer demand.
• Effectively engage subject matter experts from the business function and translate their needs to solutions with high impact to business and/or its customers
• Lead the development and deployment of effective training tools to finance users that allow the business team to fully realize the benefits of each program.
• Provide direction to the site level teams on master data cleansing & cutover based on the common processes and own the operational end user roles and responsibilities mapping that is driven by the common global process
• Own the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and provide all the signoff’s for key activities like Blueprint, CRP, UAT, and Cutover and Go live for the function
• Manage SOX deliverables for the function, working in close conjunction with Controllership team.
• Be responsible for proactive issues management and project risks resolution
• Analyze, develop strategies and manage ERP changes resulting from acquisitions, legal entity & roof top consolidations

Specific Simplification Responsibilities Include:

• Implement LEAN principles and process throughout the organization.  Implement a data rich measurement system to drive utilization, capacity, throughput, and cycle time improvements.
• Recruit, retain, develop and lead a Lean Leader and 1-2 Lean Process Improvement Leaders.
• Support Finance Managers & Controllership in non-ERP program related LEAN activities
• Integrate with Lean activities across ITO, OTR, and PTP.  Ensure processes are improved and “leaned” prior to implementation of new systems.
• Works closely with the Controllers to ensure processes and IT solutions are compliance with policies, disclosure, and regulatory requirements.
• Translate the output of LEAN work into system changes or process changes – feed back to ERP roadmap

Specific International ERP Responsibilities Include:

• Manages & drive international ERP roadmap.
• Recruit, retain, develop and lead an ERP Finance Leader for the International implementation.  Priority will be EMEA and then Asia.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• BA/BS in Business Administration or IT Systems relevant degree and a minimum of 10 years’ experience in finance and or system implementations; or High School Diploma/GED and minimum of 20 years experience in corporate finance and system implementations
• Demonstrated track record, and first-hand experience with, Peoplesoft and Oracle ERP products.
• Prior experience in successfully implementing an ERP
• Prior experience in successfully implementing Business Intelligence solutions that drive productivity for finance users in a global business unit
• Strong analytic skills: able to clearly link financial results to operational performance drivers generate alternatives and drive positive change.
• Problem solving: successfully led projects/process improvement within operations/finance function; able to quickly grasp new ideas
• Excellent communication skills: experience working across multiple levels (including executive level), functions and businesses; able to clearly communicate complex financial information in a easy to understand manner; able to deliver message effectively verbally and in writing
• Global experience
• You must be willing to submit to a background investigation, including for example, verification of past employment, criminal history, and educational background
• You must be willing to take a drug test
• You must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• You must be willing to work out of an office located in  IL
• Proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Strong technical acumen
• Proven ability to manage complex cross-functional projects
• Proven ability to be a successful change agent     
• Trained and/or certified in process improvement methodology such as LEANor Six Sigma

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience in successfully implementing an ERP
• Lean experience
• Demonstrated ability to implement an effective performance management system including metrics and operating mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of financial and commercial processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a team environment and succeed in a matrix organization
• Adaptable/flexible: being open to change in response to new information, different or unexpected circumstances, and/or to work in ambiguous situations
• Strong knowledge of financial systems
• International experience

Job Description

Local CPA  Firm’s Nonprofit & Private Foundations Industry Practice is looking for an experienced Nonprofit Tax Manager/Senior Manager to manage the firms exempt organizations group.  The NFP tax group provides tax compliance and advisory services to Nonprofit Organizations, Private Foundation, Public Charities, Religious, Research, Trade Association, Pension Trust/Benefit Plans and other charitable and tax-exempt organizations. Our compliance services include the preparation of 990, 990-T, 990-PF, State of California Form 199, 109 and State of California Attorney General Form RRF-1, and various other States’ returns.

Responsibilities:

– Provide tax compliance and advisory services to Health, Research, and other Not-For-Profit organizations
– Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team helping to provide industry knowledge and experience
– Manage a portfolio of clients of varying size and scope and act as the point of contact for internal and external clients
– Build and manage client relationships
– Manage teams of tax professionals and assistants working on client projects
– Manage risk and financial performance of engagements including billing, collections and the budget for projects
– Advise clients and be responsible for delivering high quality tax service and advice
– Participate in and contribute to market and business activities external to the firm

Qualifications:

– Five years of Exempt Organization tax experience in an accounting firm, organization and/or law firm
– Bachelor’s degree, J.D., LL.M. in Taxation, and/or Master’s in Taxation (MST) from an accredited college/university
– Licensed CPA or attorney
– Strong knowledge of FAS 109
– Excellent advisory and compliance skills
– Experience managing multiple client engagements and client service teams
– Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to articulate complex information

Directs the financial activities of the region, supporting Regional Vice President in business control, driving profitable revenue, plan development, safeguarding internal controls and identifying areas of concern. Responsible for planning, organizing and controlling all accounting and financial activities at a region level. Ensures all financial data and information is submitted to corporate in a timely and accurate manner.

• Supports and advises the Regional Vice President in performing business control tasks.
• Acts as an important business partner and adviser for other managers and employees in the field organization while maintaining a core business and customer focus.
• Assists the Regional Vice President in driving profitable revenue growth and achieving results.
• Safeguards a good internal control environment in order to protect the company assets and to make sure financial reporting and accounting matters are in accordance with company guidelines, FAM and statutory accounting practice.
• Takes a proactive role in making sure red flags are highlighted and that action plans are put in place when necessary.
• Coordinates accounting activities between regional office and corporate and helps ensure that open communication is maintained.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service by conducting daily activities in a cooperative and professional manner.
• Prepares reports that summarize and forecast regional business activity and financial position in the areas of income, expense and earnings based on past, present and expected operations.
• Drives, implements, sustains and develops quality process improvements that focus on safety, financials, operations and customer service.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressive experience in accounting with a budgeting-finance background. Operational management experience a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in finance or accounting.
• MBA preferred.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with the corporate and liaison offices and employees at all levels. Must possess strong leadership capabilities.

Advanced training in accounting techniques and practices.

Diane Delgado LeMaire | Senior Managing Director, Accounting & Finance Recruiting | Creative Financial Staffing, a division of Fitts, Roberts CPA Firm | 5718 Westheimer Suite 800 | Houston, TX 77057 | 713-260-5238 | dcd@fittsroberts.com| Blog| Twitter| LinkedIn

The Senior Manager must plan, oversee, and review the results of the audit.  This position will be responsible for managing multiple engagements at one time and for recruitment and development of staff.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Complete engagements as assigned and maintain client relationships
• Understand and apply engagement methodology practices; from initiating an engagement with a thorough understanding of scope and familiarity with client processes, to appropriate documentation of work performed using clear and concise oral and written communication of detailed work and issues and observations.  Performance should be reflective of the depth of theoretical and practical experience of the Professional.
• As required, prepare status update reports for client status meetings.
• Comply with firm requests for information or input on an as-needed basis.
• Remain technically competent and attend training to maintain professional designations.
• Maintain and expand professional skills by spending on average 40 hours in training each year.
• Enter time and expenses bi-weekly.
• Notify client and Office Administrator when you are unexpectedly absent from, or are late to, the project site.
• Follow the corporate Quality Assurance system on all engagements.
• Identify and assess opportunities for additional services that would be beneficial to the client

Business Development

• Participate in the development of annual practice budgeting process and business development plan
• Execute Business Development Plan by:
  • Participating in sales and business development calls, meetings and presentations as required.
  • Assisting in marketing and sales strategy and process to achieve established annual revenue generation goals assigned.
  • Assisting the Principal/Director/Senior Manager in preparation of sales proposals as needed.
  • Identifying additional engagement opportunities while at the customer site and communicate those opportunities to the Principal/Director/Senior Manager for follow-up.
• Meet or exceed annual personal revenue generation goal that will be set each January of the each new-year according to set annual practice budget.

Engagement Management

• Manage various engagement activities including, but not limited to:
  • Planning the engagement
  • Organizing kick-off meetings
  • Ensuring appropriate materials and supplies are available at all times
  • On-going monitoring of the engagement scope
  • Keeping the engagement within budget
  • Ensuring quality of the work and timely completion of all deliverables
  • Preparing client deliverables
  • Reviewing work performed by consulting staff
  • Attending closing meetings, as well as status meetings, as appropriate
  • Providing day-to-day client assistance
  • Identifying and/or interpreting the client’s requirements and recommending appropriate service and/or solutions
  • Ensuring the quality of  services and customer deliverables
• Provide Principal or designate in his/her absence with a weekly summary of updates on engagements that he/she is responsible for managing.
• Ensure compliance with the Operations Manual procedures.

Staff Coaching, Mentoring and Performance Evaluation

• Responsible for writing and delivering the engagement evaluation forms for each Engagement Staff member on an engagement.
• Provide on-the-job training and orientation of Professional, as needed.  This also includes preparing group-training presentations for the office.
• Serve as a coach to the Engagement Staff to encourage growth and development.
• Identify training needs of Engagement Staff and communicate those needs to the Principal for planning and coordination.
• Assist in recruitment and hiring of quality Engagement Staff.

Other Duties

• Assist Project Management as needed.
• Assist in office administrative duties whenever necessary.
• Participate in process and quality improvement teams as needed.
• Identify “best practices” during engagements and ensure they are incorporated in the firm database.
• Confer with the Principal/Director/Senior Manager on matters pertaining to resources for the engagements.
• Solicit the input of Principal/Director/Senior Manager on matters pertaining to scheduling, percentage of job completion, problem areas, and the like.
• Comply with firm requests for information or input on an as-needed basis.
• Other duties as requested.

Recommended Position Qualifications

• 7– 10 years experience in the External Audit/Assurance arena – Senior Manager Audit
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; Advanced credentials recommended (CPA)
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including presentations.

Strong background in software used in the service line, as well as Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project and Access.

Please email me with any questions. dcd@fittsroberts.com

Registering on UST Connect
Follow these simple steps to activate your account:
1. Access our database system at https://www.myinterfase.com/stthom/employer/home.aspx.
2. Select the Click Here to Register link.
3. Type your agency name in the Find Your Organization box. If the name of your agency is found, select it and continue. If the name of your agency does not come up, then click on the Cant Find Your Organization button.
4. Complete all the required fields (marked with a red asterisk) in the employer information and contact information fields. When you have finished completing the fields, click on the register button.
5. This will complete your registration and put your agency in our database!

Now add your positions to your profile!
1. Log into your UST Connect account with your username and password at https://www.myinterfase.com/stthom/employer/home.aspx.
2. From the menu at the top of the page, select My Jobs and New Job from the drop-down menu.
3. Complete and submit an individual job form for each position with your agency. Click on the Save button to activate the listing.

Now what
You will receive emails from the UST Connect system when:
1. A student submits a resume for your job.
2. Your position is about to expire.
3. Inform you of future events that your agency may be interested in attending.

A student submits a resume:
1. Just click on the link to view the students resume.
2. Contact the student by email or phone to arrange an interview.

To extend the expiration date of an existing posting or to reopen an old posting:
1. Log in to UST Connect, https://www.myinterfase.com/stthom/employer/home.aspx.
2. Select my jobs and job list from the menu.
3. Find the posting you want to open in the list and click on the blue job title of that posting.
4. Select copy job from the page functions on the left side of the screen.
5. An exact duplicate of your old posting is opened. Scroll down and if needed, make updates to the posting by clicking on the edit link in each section. When editing is finished click on save at the bottom of your posting.

Twitter: Why Everyone In Business Should Have One

By: Benji Hyam

16 ► Retweet

Three months ago I could honestly tell you I thought Twitter was a waste of time. I couldn’t figure out what the # symbol meant, what these “trending topics were” or why people put the @ symbol in front of someone’s name. Now I consider Twitter one of the most useful business programs in my arsenal of social media tools.

When I ask someone why they don’t have a Twitter account, I usually get one of two responses: it’s either “I don’t get it,” or “I don’t see a reason to let people know what I’m doing at all times of the day by updating my status.” But these naysayers should know is that Twitter is much more than a website to make status updates; it’s software to quickly share news and information, network with people and gather information about what the competition is doing. With a real-time data feed, Twitter is one of the fastest ways to send/receive information on the topics that are relevant to you.

Twitter is the first place I go to for news, because when something important is going on in the world everyone is Tweeting about it. I follow experts on social media such as @briansolis, experts in technology like @mashable, and people who tweet about a plethora of business information like @vistage. Most industry influencers are already on Twitter and by following them you will often receive insightful information about new products, technology or trends in the industry.

Here are four reasons why as a business owner you should include Twitter in your social media strategy:

1. Share information: Twitter is a great to share what your company is doing. Think about what clients or potential clients would want to hear about and deliver it to them: new products that are coming out, new information that affects your industry, blog posts that help describe how to use or do something, etc. Also, engage them. Make it interesting! Give them incentives to read what you have to say.

2. Find out what the competition is doing: By following your competition you’ll be able to keep real-time tabs on how they’re marketing to their clients, who’s interacting with them and who they’re following.

3. Stay current on new events and trends: The most important events in the world are often being talked about on Twitter. The trending topics usually have to do with some current event or the most popular things that people are talking about at the point in time. By following important people in your industry you’ll oftentimes find that you are the first one to get the news through Twitter.

4. Join the conversation­: If nothing else, at least join in the conversation. See what your customers are saying about your product and respond to them, see what conversations there are about your company and if there is bad press, resolve it! Social media is another outlet that people love to share their opinion about your company, products, employees, experience, etc. It’s important to know what people are saying so that if there’s a problem, you can correct it.

So I challenge you (if you haven’t done so already) to at least create an account and see what the micro-blogging world is all about. Who knows… maybe you’ll end up changing your mind about it like I did. If you do, please share with me below how you or your company uses Twitter.

Follow me @benjivistage

Related Articles:

Industry News and Updates

Click this link first!!!!  www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire and invite me to link in with you.

Ok, now….HAPPY New Year!!!!!! I am excited about 2011; we have been so busy. It seems like businesses are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel and realizing that they need to hire staff due to an increase in sales and sales projections. We have seen an increase in both temporary and permanent orders. Our clients in Houston are hiring at every level from staff accountants to VP spots. This is great news for everyone. The best part is many Accountants are going to make a move this year. Let’ s face it, many of you didn’t want to risk moving during a recession. However, at this time we have Accountants, Controllers and CFO’s who have been waiting on the sidelines for 2 years ready to see what is out there. This will actually work in everyone’s favor (whether you are looking or not). Vacancies within an organization can create new opportunities for the people working there and obviously for external job seekers. As you can tell I am VERY optimistic about this year. I can’t wait to send you my next update in March.

If you ever wonder what I am recruiting for you can always follow my blog at: www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com.

Local Statistics:

• National / Houston Unemployment Rate: 9.3% / 8.6%
• Price of Oil:  $90.00 (last year $75)
• Oil Rig Count: 1711 (last year 1172)
• Industries hiring: Business Services; Consulting Firms; Healthcare; Oil & Gas; Non Profits
• Positions in demand: 2 to 8 year Accountants, Internal Audit jobs are back and there is a serious lack of Tax talent in the market place.
• Industries not hiring or flat: Homebuilding, Construction

http://www.recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blog/show?id=502551%3ABlogPost%3A868170

We are seeking candidates for our Revenue Accountant position in Houston, TX.  This position will report to the Supervisor of Revenue Distribution Accounting.  The salary range will be $45,600 – $57,600.  Listed below is the job description and other qualifications.

Position Summary:

• Accounting for onshore oil & gas revenues for various Midcontinent and Rocky Mountain states.
• Reconcile various G/L accounts including sales, royalties payable, cash receipts, accounts receivable, tax liability, and tax expense accounts.
• Analyzing monthly trends and variances.

Qualifications

• Accounting degree preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with oil and gas accounting systems.  Citation uses a recent version of Excalibur (EDGE).
• Knowledge of oil and gas accounting practices is a plus.

The successful candidate will have strong proactive and analytical skills, professional work ethic, and a cooperative attitude.

2011: A hiring boom, even at 9% unemployment.