65 to 90K

Responsible for designated analytics and reporting processes, which include obtaining and analyzing information and writing reports related to pharmacy operations. Provide recommendations on continuous improvement to the reporting process while seeking out opportunities for improved performance within the company. Frequently work on ad hoc projects or participate in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support of Clinical Operations programs and processes as assigned.
• Assist Pharmacists with monitoring and evaluation of pharmacy claims, requirements documentation, and testing. Identify issues and problems areas and participate in development and implementation of solutions.
• Perform routine reporting and analysis on Rx claims, PDE and clinical programs.
• Perform reporting and analysis on STARS program related to pharmacy, clinical and operations elements
• Maintain current understanding of Medicare Part D coverage and benefit plans in order to accurately analyze and prepare Medicare claims data for internal analysis
• Analyze and reconcile PDE entries rejected by CMS, including adjustments related to eligibility, TrOOP, cost sharing, and LICS status.
• Coordinate projects and processes with other business units (e.g. Information Technology, Data Analysis, Process Integrity) and vendors.
• Assist with quality assurance review and monitoring of data files
• Participate in development and maintenance of CMS-required documentation and reporting.
• Enter data within web-based workflow management program and manage workflow tasks as required.
• Ability to multi-task within multiple systems and source programs.

Skills:

• Experience operating in Windows, Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Internet Explorer) and web-based applications
• Experience with Business Objects, Crystal Reporting or SQL preferred
• Strong data entry skills and experience in manipulating and reviewing large datasets in Microsoft Excel.
• Superior communication, organization, and prioritization skills
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
• Courteous and professional demeanor with the desire and ability to work as a team
• Ability to work independently, self-starter
• Knowledge of medical and drug terminology and pharmaceutical calculations
• Knowledge of third party insurance and payment options
• 2 or more years experience in process improvement, analysis or project management
• 3 or more years pharmacy related experience required, prior managed care experience preferred

Education/Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Healthcare Administration, Accounting or related field preferred with an Associates Degree required.

How To Ace A Job Interview On The Phone

Susan AdamsForbes Staff

With hundreds if not thousands of applicants often vying for a single job these days, recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly doing their initial job interviews on the telephone. Though the practice may soon shift to video conferencing or Skype, recruiters and coaches say that at this point, the phone is still the most common way for a first interview to take place. They estimate that more than half of first screens take place on the phone.

The biggest drawback for job seekers is that interviewers feel less of a sense of obligation if they haven’t met candidates in person. Hiring managers frequently don’t bother to let applicants know they’ve been dropped from consideration. 　But for candidates, there can be pluses to phone interviews. On the phone, interviewers focus on the substance of applicants’ answers, as opposed to distractions related to appearance.　 Applicants can also refer to preparation materials and checklists, and they can take notes, which can be useful when it’s time to check back in.

With diligent follow-up, job seekers can swing phone interviews in their favor, sometimes more so than meetings in person. Here are some tips:

1. Prepare as though it’s an in-person interview.

Despite the fact that phone interviews are commonplace nowadays, some applicants fail to treat them as an essential part of the search process. Devote as much time to prepping for a phone meeting as you would for an initial meeting in person. Los Angeles executive and career coach David Couper, author of Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career… Even When You Don’t Fit In!, recommends having a written list of 5-10 stories about yourself that illustrate your accomplishments. “If you say you managed a department with five people, you need to have a story about that,” advises Couper, who used to work in human resources at now-defunct consulting giant Arthur Andersen. “You can say, there was one person working for me, and I put forth a proposal for more staff, which was granted and we increased sales by X amount.” The stories should have a beginning, middle and end, says Couper.

2. If the call comes out of the blue, say you’re in the middle of something and set a time to talk.

If you get a call without a warning in advance, say you’re delighted to talk to the interviewer, but could you speak later, and suggest a time. Even if it’s just 15 minutes later, you need to gather your résumé, your notes and your thoughts.

3. Make sure you’re in a quiet place with a good connection where you won’t be interrupted.

Use a land line if possible. If you’re talking on a cell phone, let the interviewer know. and apologize in advance for any service interruption. Make sure children, pets and other possible interruptions are out of the room. Get yourself a glass of water.

4. Ask how much time the interviewer has to talk.

This will help you pace yourself and cover the ground you’re planning in the interview.

5. Stand up and smile.

Standing knocks your energy level up a notch. When you smile, it affects your tone of voice and can make a more favorable impression. Some people find it useful to dress nicely, to put them in a professional state of mind. Imagine standing, dressed in a suit, as opposed to slouching over your desk wearing pajamas.

6. Early in the conversation, ask the interviewer what she’s looking for.

Say something like, “I’ve read the position description, but I’d love to hear in your words what you’re looking for in this role.” Though most phone interviewers have a list of questions they want to ask, they won’t be put off by this question.

7. Don’t over-talk.

When you’re on the phone, it’s impossible to read the nonverbal cues that interviewers send in person, like averting their gaze or adjusting their posture as though they want to speak. Watch the clock and don’t talk for more than one minute at a stretch. Then pause and ask whether more detail would be useful.

8. Listen closely.

Take notes of the questions the interviewer is asking. This can help you write a great thank-you note after you’re done.

9. Ask about the next step in the process.

Before signing off, say that you’re excited about the opportunity and ask what the next step in the process will be.

10. Follow up.

Treat the follow-up for a phone interview the same way you would an in-person interview. Email a thank-you note that refers to details in the interview. Include several concrete, specific ways you would contribute to the company if you got the job. Roy Cohen, a New York career coach who used to handle outplacement for Goldman Sachs and is the author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide, says that if you don’t get a response to your email, you should leave more than one phone message. 　You can say,” I want to make sure there wasn’t any information you need from me to move forward.” If it’s your second or third message, try, “I want to make sure everything is OK.” 　”I like to refer to this as the Jewish guilt approach,” says Cohen. Either you’re out of the running, in which case you have nothing to lose, or the interviewer has been busy and distracted, and will appreciate the reminder.

Corporate Controller

High growth company that maintains offices in Houston; Bryan, TX; Tulsa, OK; Tempe, AZ; Covington, KY; and Oak Brook; IL. All together the company has approximately 1,900 employees. The company is primarily owned by a Private Equity firm. Company intends to continue to grow through acquisition and organic growth.

Corporate Controller Position – Six figure salary plus bonus

• Reports directly to the CFO and currently has 6 direct reports.
• Accounting and reporting are centralized in the Company’s Houston headquarters.
• Responislbe for 3 separate operating units and several holding company entities which have significantly increased the complexity of the accounting and reporting process, requiring separate reporting on the operating company level as well as full consolidation.
• Supervise day to day accounting and be primarily responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual reports to management, owners and lenders.
• Assist in integrating the recently acquired entities into company and will work closely with the CFO to integrate the accounting and reporting of these acquisitions.
• Manage audit process.

Key Position Requirements

• Candidate must be a CPA with sufficient public accounting experience
• Candidate must have experience with multiple reporting units and consolidation.
• Candidate should have a hands-on knowledge of accounting systems such as Great Plains or Solomon.
• Candidate should have experience with the acquisition process, integration of accounting and reporting functions after an acquisition and with purchase accounting and other acquisition related accounting and reporting requirements.
• Candidate should be an effective leader with experience supervising a staff of both professionals and non-professionals.
• Occasional travel may be required to assist with acquisition integration and to visit operating locations.

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

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

Staff Auditor

Location:

Greenspoint area

Reports to:

Director of Internal Audit

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Position requires ability to provide oversight, training and guidance to junior auditors, and directly assist management in the conduct regular and special purpose audits. Position will also require that the associate become a mentor up to three staff auditors. Position requires industry knowledge and the practice of auditing. Also requires excellent written and verbal communication skills for extensive report writing responsibilities.

This position requires approximately 15% travel.

Education and Experience Requirements:

A Bachelors degree in Accounting and Candidate for CPA. Minimum two years working experience, prefer some Public Accounting experience.

Management reserves the right to change the duties and responsibilities set forth herein at any time.

Physical Requirements:

This is primarily a sedentary office position which requires the ability to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, lift, move and carry office materials and supplies weighing 25 pounds or less. Finger dexterity is required to operate a computer keyboard and calculator. Position requires the ability to drive to audit location during the day, and lift audit bag weight.

Additional Requirements:

Candidates should be flexible and able to adapt to the audit approach to each assignment. Good sense of judgment, positive attitude and ability to deal effectively with auditees.

This position outlines the basic tasks and requirements for the position noted. It is not a comprehensive listing of all job duties of the associates.

Responsible for producing and distributing timely and accurate financial statements for branch locations in Texas and Oklahoma.

• Produce and distribute departmental financial statements to Sales/Mktg. Departments and Senior Management.
• Review financial statements, research variances, and initiate correcting journal entries.
• Perform monthly accruals and expense allocations.
• Perform detail analysis and periodic audits of expense reports.
• Respond to inquiries from Corporate and Sales management arising from monthly financial statement review.
• Reconcile gross profit reports to general ledger.
• Prepares financial and statistical reports as required.
• Assumes other special activities and responsibilities as directed.
• Assist with annual audit.

Education and/or Experience　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance required, plus
• 3-5 years experience in a General Accounting position.

Local Searches:

• Senior Auditor – Galleria – Oilfield Services – 75K (rotational, 60% int’l travel)
• Controller – South – Non-Profit – 80K
• Assistant Controller – East – Manufacturing – 70K (small co)
• Staff Accountant – Galleria – Manufacturing – 55K
• Staff Accountant – AR/Inventory – Galleria – 45K
• Staff Accountant – Oil & Gas – West – 48 to 53K
• Sales Analyst – Southwest – Distribution – 80K
• Chief Accounting Officer – confidential industry Houston
• Revenue Accountant – West – Oil and Gas (E&P) – 80K
• JIB Accountant – West – Oil and Gas (E&P) – 70K
• Tax Manager (Fed/State/Intl) – West – Oil and Gas (E&P) – 110K
• SOX Auditor – West – Services – 80K
• Staff Internal Audit – Galleria – Manufacturing – 55K
• Procurement Manager – East – Oil and Gas 
• Manager of General Accounting – East – Oil and Gas
• Senior Accountant – Pasadena　
• Senior Auditor – Greenway – Oil and Gas – 80K
• Tax Accountant – Northwest – Oil and Gas – 65K
• Treasury Manager – Downtown – Oil and Gas – 135K
• SEC Reporting Manager – Greenway – Oil and Gas – 135 
• Financial Accountant – Central – Banking – 80K
• Several Audit roles with Public Accounting Firms from Staff to Manager levels
• Several Tax roles with Public Accounting from Staff to Manager levels

Contact Openings:

• 　　　　　　　 Accounting Manager – Med Center – 6 month project
• 　　　　　　　 Senior Accountant for 3 month project
• 　　　　　　　 Senior Accountant – Med Center – 18 month project
• 　　　　　　　 AP Specialists with SAP ( 3 to 6 months)
• 　　　　　　　 Revenue Reconciliation Project (3 months)
• 　　　　　　　 AP Specialist with JDE (Temp to Hire)
• 　　　　　　　 Part time Accounting Assistant – 30 hours – May, June & July – Payroll & AP
• 　　　　　　　 Healthcare SOX Auditor – 3 months
• 　　　　　　　 XBRL Project – 6 months
• 　　　　　　　 Tax Senior – 10 months – Federal, State & Partnership plus CorpTax

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up new ID or Re-ID meter splits and link to correct contract/CCT’s (common contract term) for assigned plants.  If a gas lift is brought on with the ID, verify that the linked contract accounts for gas lift fees and the meter definition has the proper GL codes
• Set up new CCT’s as needed
• Maintain rate schedule as needed (includes prices, fees, escalation factors, etc.) 
• Secure ETC Marketing prices, input price by CCT’s and on rate schedule – verify price on settlement statement
• Maintain tickler file for new ID’s using daily pricing calculation
• Verify CO2 blending fee for various contracts 
• Process prior period adjustments as needed
• Verify PPA statements and Revenue Detail report for inaccuracies.  Maintain file of PPA’s for SOX purposes
• Process current month settlement on various plants – verify accuracy of new ID settlement statements and revenue detail report 
• Advise SAP accountant if any deficient values should be netted against future payments or invoices sent to producers
• Advise Division Order analyst of new wells that should be suspended pending signed documents and any additional or changes to meter splits
• Research / resolve various issues requested if needed ( internal and external customers)

Requirements

Pipeline contract experience preferable

High deductive reasoning needed

Revenue accounting experience needed (5 years – minimum)

Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel

Experience with Quorum Software preferred

Minimum of five years work experience in Gas Industry

Four year degree preferred in Accounting or Business Administration

Description of Responsibilities

　The responsibilities of this position primarily include:

• Review of financial statements, supporting schedules and internally-generated audit reports;
• Creation and review of trend analysis and various other analytical tools;
• Assistance with the consolidation of the financial statements　for multiple locations　and various corporate entities;
• Preparation of various journal entries required in the consolidation of　financial statements;
• Completion of special projects; and
• Creation of ad hoc reports.

• A team-first oriented employee;
• Detail oriented;
• Willing and able to work the necessary hours to accomplish the assigned tasks, especially during month- and quarter-end close process; and
• An effective communicator, including the use of both verbal and written forms of communication.

The ideal candidate should have, at a minimum:

• Successfully retained a Bachelor’s degree, with a major in accounting, from a reputable business college;
• A firm understanding of accounting principles;
• One to three years of relevant experience in accounting at a large, multi-location corporation and/or public accounting firm;
• Retained, or be eligible and desire to achieve, certification as a public accountant;
• Proficiency handling multiple, simultaneous projects;
• An intermediate to advanced working knowledge of Microsoft software products, particularly Excel and v-lookups, as well as a general ledger software package; and

MANAGER OF GENERAL ACCOUNTING

Dynamic, forward-thinking oil and gas company has an opening for a Manager of General Accounting. This position reports directly to the Corporate Controller and has responsibility for the daily operations and strategic objectives related to payables and receivables. The Manager of General Accounting will also develop, implement and maintain internal controls to ensure SOX compliance while streamlining business processes and practices.

　Major Responsibilities　

　Accounts Payable　　

• Responsible for the supervision of the Accounts Payable Department along with the execution of all transactions involved in the process.　
• Management of customer relations related to payment disbursements.　
• Management of the monthly closing of invoices and posting of information.　
• Responsible for resolving all exceptions and discrepancies related to the invoice process.　
• Work closely with the Procurement Department to coordinate a seamless transition from requisitions to vendor payments.　
• Ensure strict adherence to all company policies and procedures and internal SOX controls.　

Accounts Receivable

• Responsible for the timely and accurate billing of customers as well as the processing of cash receipts.　
• Ensure the proper recording and application of cash, management of outstanding invoices and direct interface with customers in regards to collection matters.　
• Establish and maintain a successful business partnership with internal customers to ensure timely responses and support regarding revenue transactions.　
• Manage the monthly revenue accounting close efforts including assurance of accurate and timely results.　
• Support Management by providing timely and accurate payment and account standing information.　
• Perform customer credit checks and establish account limits accordingly.　
• Assist Finance in the development of the cash forecast.

Financial Accounting

• 　Prepare accruals and journal entries as needed.
• Assist in the preparation of operating and personnel budgets. Monitors spending for adherence to budget and reports accordingly.
• Conduct special projects and analyses to support business growth
• Provide support for activities related to external audit

Qualifications/Competencies

• BBA in Accounting or equivalent.　
• CPA, CMA or MBA preferred.　
• A minimum of five years of accounting experience, including at least three years direct supervisory experience.　
• Experienced in the use of advanced ERP systems for transactional processing, especially SAP.　
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.　
• Detail oriented with a high degree of integrity in regards to managing sensitive and/or confidential information.　
• Good understanding of internal controls and SOX compliance.　
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and customers to resolve all issues in regards to collection matters.　
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products such as Excel and Word.　

PURCHASING MANAGER

Responsible for managing　purchasing function to include logistics, vendor management, inventory control, sourcing, contract and subcontract management.

• Prepare written inquiries or obtain verbal or written quotes for vendor supplied items and subcontracts in compliance with requisitions and/or specifications.　

• Receive vendor bids, evaluate bids considering price, delivery date, past performance of vendor, etc. to determine successful bidder.　

• Negotiate terms/conditions and place purchase orders. Negotiate and issue purchase change orders as required.　

• Expedite awarded purchase orders when necessary to insure timely delivery.　

• Handle third party rental contracts and awards, renewals and terminations. Maintain files and chart all rental orders.　

• Analyze market and delivery of needed product in order to assess present and future material availability.　

• Coordinate quality issues, delivery and invoice problems with vendors.　

• Control the purchasing department budget.　

• Prepare documentation as it pertains to each purchase order.

• Maintain contact with all markets and vendors from which　company purchases goods or services through personal contact, professional associations and trade publications.

• Meet with sales and vendor representatives as required.　

• Perform other related purchasing duties as requested by management.　

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 　Requires a College Degree or equivalent combinations of education and procurement experience.

• Minimum of ten years EPC material procurement experience.

• Additional knowledge of procurement/vendor inspection techniques, procedures, plus working knowledge of accounting and financial management.

Houston Business Journal

Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 6:33am CDT

Four Houston accounting firms made Accounting Today’s list of the top 15 accounting firms in the Southwest region.

Accounting Today ranks its top 100 accounting firms list by net revenue for 2011 and divides the rankings by region. Along with Texas, the Southwest region includes Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

The top Houston firm, Gainer, Donnelly & Desroches, was the No. 4 firm in the Southwest region, with $20.53 million in 2011 revenue. However, its revenue declined 3.62 percent from the year before.

Pannell Kerr Forest of Texas was No. 5 in the Southwest region, with $19.93 million in revenue, an increase of 2.42 percent from the year before. No. 6 Briggs & Veselka increased its revenue 3.21 percent to $19.59 million. MaloneBailey was No. 15, with $12.61 million in revenue, though it decreased 1.94 percent from last year.

Overall, the Southwest region experienced weaker growth than many other regions, increasing just 1.96 percent from last year, Accounting Today said. However, it did grow more strongly in 2011 than it did in 2010. Accounting firms in the Southwest reported the energy sector, international tax, nonprofits and health care as their fastest growing service areas