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via Houston best city for college grads – Bloomberg – Houston Business Journal.

AP Team Lead

• Responsible for all aspects of supervising and leading an Accounts Payable  team involved in the following:  Prepares detailed accounting entries, Books transactions, Prepares and reviews account and sub ledger reconciliations, Matches invoices to purchase/receiving documents, including match error resolution.
• Compiles internal and external financial reporting.
• Drafts and preparation of management, special and ad-hoc reporting.
• Conducts analysis and explains financial data.
• Ensures integrity and maintains confidentiality of results reported.
• Ensures appropriate controls exist to assure the integrity of reported results.
• Documents procedures, processes and workflows. Identifies, tests, and coordinates implementation of processes and systems to improve internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Keeps abreast of current developments for adherence to government regulation and financial impact.
• Assists in attaining financial accounting objectives established by the Controller.
• Completes special projects as assigned.

 Duties may change and associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
 Minimum 5 years Accounts Payable Experience

• Minimum 5 years Supervisory Experience
• Public Accounting and Sarbanes-Oxley Documentation experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Strong Excel, Word, and Accounting software skills  
• Knowledge of accounting principles related to Accounts Payable

Diane Delgado LeMaire | 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  | http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com/| www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com| www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU| www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accurate, consistent and complete reconciliations of assigned general ledger accounts- ensure the general ledger is accurate.  All bank reconciliations and general ledger reconciliations are maintained on a monthly basis.
• Monthly, quarterly and annual close activities – Complete all required journal entries in a timely manner and ensure that all sub ledgers tie to their corresponding general ledger account.
• Ad hoc G/L account variance analysis
• Bank account reconciliations
• Ensure that any asset that is capitalized has been approved and is accompanied by all required documentation.
• Monthly reporting to internal management

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Analytically astute with a proven ability to anticipate and resolve
• Four year degree in Accounting, or 5 years of proven continuous and progressive accounting experience- CPA preferred
• Advance Skills in Excel, Power Point, and Database management.

Diane Delgado LeMaire | 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  | http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com/| www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com| www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU| www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

MUST HAVE LETTER OF CREDIT EXPERIENCE!!!

Summary:  This position provides leadership and coordination of company financial planning, debt financing, and budget management functions. Ensure company accounting procedures conform to generally accepted accounting principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. 

(Other duties may be assigned)

• Establishes, or recommends to management, major corporate economic strategies, objectives, and policies for company.
• Recommends modifications to existing corporate programs.
• Prepares reports which summarize and forecast company business activity and financial position in areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations.
• Directs preparation of budgets, reviews budget proposals, and prepares necessary supporting documentation and justification.
• Advises management about insurance coverage for protection against property losses and potential liabilities.
• Provides management with timely reviews of organization’s financial status and progress in its various programs and activities.
• Directs determination of depreciation rates to apply to capital assets.
• Advises management on desirable operational adjustments due to tax code revisions.
• Arranges for audits of company’s accounts.
• Prepares reports required by regulatory agencies.
• Establishes relations with banks and other financial institutions.
• Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
• Direct financial audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements.
• Serve as primary legislative liaison relative to company financial issues.
• Responsible for directing and coordinating the work of a number of accounting associates in all aspects of accounting including general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) or equivalent; or 5+ years of hands-on accounting experience in a manufacturing environment. Letter of Credit knowledge is a must.

Diane Delgado LeMaire | 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  | http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com/| www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com| www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU| www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Responsible for the direction and management of the organization’s treasury activities. This position will be responsible for cash operations; short-term investments, and will have responsibility for developing and implementing various treasury processes and controls.  The Treasury Manager will report to the Director of Finance.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

? Allocates cash balances, maintains investment records and prepares incoming and outgoing forecasts.
? Monitor cash position daily and work with A/P department to manage weekly payments to suppliers.
? Procurement, custody, and investment of funds and other assets.
? Manage weekly cash forecasting, investments, and flow of funds to maximize interest and minimize currency conversion costs.
? Work closely with Finance department to create and monitor annual, quarterly, and monthly cash flow forecasts as part of financial planning cycle.
? Ensure corporate banking structure is best suited to meet the Company’s operating and tax needs.
? Manage and enhance existing banking relationships, develop new relationships/resources as needed.
? Working closely with A/R and Business Development to manage risk in relation to credit evaluations of customers.
? Research and recommend new Treasury products and services.
? Administer and support roll-out of all banking and Treasury operations.
? Support the administration of Letters of Credit / Bonds.
? Monitor and ensure compliance with financial covenants.
? Develop appropriate efficiency measures and metrics to be reported to senior management on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
? Establish and ensure compliance with credit policies and procedures.
? Administer Surety relationships and bonding processes.
? Manage bonding needs and all reporting requirements.
? Foreign Exchange
? Prepare detailed management reports on a monthly/quarterly basis for Senior Corporate, Finance and Accounting teams on all related Treasury activities.
REQUIREMENTS

? BS/BA in Financial discipline, CTP strongly preferred, MBA/CPA a plus.
? 4+ years of direct treasury experience including supervisory role within a global reach company. Experience should include: US cash positioning; inter-company transactions; foreign exchange trading; guiding business units in treasury issues
? Strong analytical and organizational skills, with demonstrated business impact in previous position(s), including a broad financial understanding of financial markets, financial statements, accounting, and forecasting
? Independent problem solving skills to interpret and question data inputs, understand how to use results to support alternative recommendations and drive projects to positively impact the business
? Excellent written and verbal communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to summarize ideas and data clearly and concisely in a persuasive and appropriate manner to both finance and non-finance individuals
? Advanced PC skills including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access), various banking systems, treasury workstations (including implementation), and SAP

Diane Delgado LeMaire | 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  | http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com/| www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com| www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU| www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

• Manage a staff of over 40, including 2 supervisors and a trainer. This includes: evaluating, training, hiring and disciplining staff. Assess staffing workload and job assignment along with re-defining job descriptions as needed.  
• Foster a client-focused environment. Ensure client requirements and expectations are executed timely and accurately, along with verifying that issues are resolved to the clients satisfaction. Follows the motto “How Can I Help” and “I’ll Take Care of It”.  
• Implement an automated image and workflow technology process. Continue to identify opportunities to automate manually intensive tasks as well as identify other ways to improve productivity.  
• Work with the Treasury Department in implementing and executing ACH capability.  
• Develop, monitor, and publish metrics to ensure service level commitments are met. 
• Assist in developing system reports thereby providing managers critical data in order to maximize opportunities. 
• Complete responsibility of the address book. 
• Assure AP department is SOX compliant. 
• Ensure that the SSC’s written processes and procedures are documented and current.  
• Work with corporate and field management to resolve business process breakdowns.  
• Other responsibilities include managing: 1099 reporting, positive pay, department budget, stop payments, and disbursements. 

• High school completion  
• 5+ years of experience managing staff, preferably in a shared service environment  
• 5+ years of AP experience, with a proven record of responsibility and growth 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel. 
• Prefer JD Edwards and Oracle Business Intelligence tool experience

• Solid understanding of the procurement to payment cycle 
• Outgoing personality and client-focused approach to management  
• Ability to work in a fast paced and high volume environment  
• Strong business acumen. CAPP (Certified Accounts Payable Professional) preferred  
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills

Diane Delgado LeMaire | 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  | http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com/| www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com| www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU| www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

America’s most recession-proof cities.

Caroline Dowd-Higgins, Career & Professional Development Services

Years ago before the dawn of the internet and personal computers that were easily accessible, job seekers would pound the proverbial pavement to land jobs. Don’t get me wrong, technology is an amazing resource but it has created a new generation of people that do not utilize person-to-person communication as the significant skill and important job searching strategy that it is.

With the realities of the most difficult job market since the Great Depression, I urge my private clients and students to get out from behind their computers and be seen in the job market. Applying for hundreds of positions via websites and job boards cannot replace the power of meeting with people in-person and showcasing your strengths and professional competencies.

Here are five strategies to prepare you for this new normal in the job market.

1. Develop Your Brand – You must showcase your strengths and define your “special sauce” in this competitive job arena. Market your unique combination of values, passions and talents and develop your story about why this is a valuable commodity. If you need a jump start, query people in your circle of trust and ask them what makes you special. Ultimately you are in control of your personal brand but gathering input from others can be a great point of departure.

2. Polish Your Professional Tool Kit – Make sure your resume showcases your skills and experiences and customize new versions to fit each opportunity you pursue. Create a professional portfolio to illustrate accomplishments and transferable skills. Include references and endorsements from professionals that speak highly of your work. Be sure to have a personal or networking business card with your name, phone, and email so you can use it as an effective relationship building tool.

3. Sharpen Your Communication Skills – Think before you speak and be ready to communicate your points effectively and with humble confidence. Be mindful of your body language and showcase a pleasant and professional persona. Utilize clear diction; speak slowly and with an audible volume that engages your audience. Avoid filler phrases such as “like” and “um” and don’t be afraid to smile and inject a little humor into the conversation when appropriate. Show your personality and be authentic.

4. Build Relationships not Just Networks – Get out from behind your computer and meet people! Job boards and online applications should take up only 10% of your job search time while the rest should be spent developing or stewarding valuable relationships. Use online resume distribution and posting tools to save time and organize your search efforts. Seek out informational interviews and build your community of professionals so you can be seen (literally) as a top notch candidate.

5. Showcase Your Resilience – Employers want to see that you can bounce back and recover quickly from adversity. If you were downsized out of your last job, pick yourself up and get back on that proverbial career horse. Showcase this adaptive skill to show others that you are scrappy, flexible, and able to recover from a set back with a positive attitude and a game plan. There is no room in this job market for a negative attitude and badmouthing your former employer is the kiss of death. Put your game face on and forge ahead with confidence.

This new normal has given job seekers a great opportunity to get back to basics by using personal communication to demonstrate their unique competencies and to display their strengths before they even apply for a job. Most careers will require you to communicate with people in some capacity. Why not utilize this valuable skill set up front and show those in your network that you can communicate like a professional. It just might distinguish you from your competition.

Caroline Dowd-Higgins pens a career transition blog called “This Is Not the Career I Ordered” (www.notthecareeriordered.com). She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development at Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

Diane Delgado LeMaire | 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  | http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com/| www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com| www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU| www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

Houston-area unemployment dips in April

Houston Business Journal – by Christine Hall Reporter