Senior IT Auditor

Assists IT Audit management in the development of the Audit scope and objectives, audit programs and reports.

 Performs complex IT audits of wide area networks, platforms servers and business functional processes to determine the adequacy of controls and evaluate their effectiveness. These audits include SOX compliance and integrated audits.

 Performs pre and post-implementation reviews for large-scale process/systems projects.

 Fosters and maintains a healthy relationship with IT management.

 Interacts with IT line management to stay abreast of activities within IT for consideration for future audits.

 Assists IT Audit Manager in the development of short and long term audit plans based upon perceived risks and IT management concerns and requests.

 Provides training, guidance and support to IT audit staff and internal audit department projects.

 Communicates progress of audits to IT Audit Manager on a timely basis. Manages audit team resources through appropriate planning activities and utilization of departmental tools.

 Supervises auditors and specialists through daily interaction and conduct their work paper review. Ensures that assigned engagements are completed within departmental standards relative to quality and timing based on established metrics. Sets and fosters an atmosphere that focuses on meeting deadlines.

 Sets and supports high performance expectations from team members through goal establishment as well as on-going coaching.

 Provides constructive feedback to audit staff through input into performance evaluations.

 Understands and addresses client feedback from satisfaction surveys.

 Meets with business leaders on a periodic basis to examine and explore service opportunities and to address business risks.

 Incorporates interfaces into the on-going risk assessment process.

 Communicates effectively with various levels of the Company and presents audit findings in a clear and professional manner.

 Reviews and evaluates IT operation’s overall control environment using strong analytic and problem-solving skills.

 Demonstrates good judgment, professional skepticism, and a strong learning aptitude to understand the Company’s business processes and systems.

 Works with minimal supervision and a high level of drive and initiative is expected.

 Assists the Manager in recruiting, developing and maintaining highly competent IT audit staff.

 Travels within the United States and Canada up to 25%.

 

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

Houston Business Journal

Date: Monday, February 6, 2012, 11:14am CST – Last Modified: Monday, February 6, 2012, 12:49pm CST

The Houston-area added 63,400 private-sector jobs between 2010 and 2011, more than any other market in the U.S.

In total, Houston supported 2.21 million private-sector jobs in 2011, according to an analysis of preliminary U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics　 　  The official statistics will be released at the end of the month.

After Houston, another Texas city — Dallas — added the most private-sector jobs in the past year, 62,500 jobs.

Percentage wise, Houston increased its private-sector jobs by 2.95 percent from 2010 to 2011. This was the third highest percentage gain out of the top 100 largest markets in the U.S. Ogeden, Utah and Akron, Ohio beat Houston in the percentage of jobs gained, respectively.

Across the U.S., 87 of the top 100 markets added private-sector jobs in the past year.

Happy New Year! I hope you have already experienced a great start to 2012. I am back from maternity leave and very optimistic about what this year has to bring for us. According to the GHP, Houston has led Texas in job growth. We were responsible for every 3 jobs created in this state. Almost every sector from oil & gas to construction added jobs in 2011. Of course oil & gas added the most. It looks like the price of oil is holding steady and that is great news for our city,　however the price of natural gas has dropped significantly. That　could have an　impact on all the companies expanding in the shale regions at this time and　their continued need　to hire. We will have to keep an eye on this. Hopefully Washington D.C. will approve the Keystone Pipeline sooner rather than later!　

Now don’t forget that the city of Houston is continuing to grow by adding almost 120,000 new residents every year. This means more income and more　money spent at the gas pump, retail outlets and grocery stores. Of course this　spending impacts hiring in a positive way as well. All in all I would say the hiring market is going to be heating up in Houston! Stay tuned for my next newsletter in April.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire (I accept all invitations)

 Local Statistics:

• National / Houston Unemployment Rate: 8.3 / 7.3
• Price of Oil:　　$98 (last year $89)
• Oil Rig Count:　2007 (last year 1694)
• Industries hiring: Services, Exploration & Production, Manufacturing, Service Companies, Oil & Gas Field Services.  Healthcare & Hospitality, Engineering & Construction, General Construction, Trade & Transportation
• Positions in demand:　 Senior Accountants, Analysts, Auditors, Tax, Tax, Tax, Operations Accounting Roles
• Industries not hiring or flat: Government and Information

 Local Searches

• Senior Accountant (Private Equity) – Westchase – 45 to 58K plus 10%
• Accounting Analyst Internal　Fin. Reporting)　- West Houston – 50’s plus 20% bonus
• Staff Accountant (Internal F/R))- The Woodlands　 – 40 to 55K
• Payroll Manager – Central – 70K
• Financial Accountant Banking – Central – 70 to 80K
• Treasury Manager – Central　- 70K
• AP Processor – Downtown – 40K
• Public Accounting Tax – all levels, all locations
• Public Accounting Audit – All levels, all locations
• Fortune 100 company looking for Internal Auditor – 80 to 90K
• Sales & Use Tax Accountant – Must have O&G and 5 years – to 80K
• Staff Accountant -　2 billion dollar company – Katy – 45 to 55K plus bonus
• Senior Accountant -　2 billion dollar company – Katy – 55 to 63K plus bonus
• SEC Reporting Manager (big 4)-　North -　90 to 110K 　(plus 20% bonus & stock)
• Tax Manager – Central – 130K
• Payroll Manager – Northwest Houston
• IT Auditor – Central – 65 to 85K
• Manager Tax Compliance – Central – 90 to 120K

 

CONTRACT Needs HOUSTON:

• AP & AR Clerks
• Controller　(Woodlands) – Interim
• Senior Accountant for 3 month project
• SEC Project (Senior to Controller level experience needed)
• JV Auditor (4 to 6 months)
• AP Specialists with SAP ( 3 to 6 months)
• MMS Auditor Projects
• Revenue Reconciliation Project (3 months)
• Bookkeeper (Baytown)
• Payroll Specialist (ADP or Paychex)

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

Creative Financial Staffing (CFS) is the nation’s largest, privately-held accounting and financial staffing firm. We provide qualified accounting and finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. Our affiliation with leading accounting firms provides us with resources that help us better understand our client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidate, and best assess candidate potential. For more information please visit our website at www.cfstaffing.com.

 

Our client is a publicly traded, Fortune 500 company with over $5.5 billion in annual revenues.

 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　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.　

 

Desired Qualifications

The candidate must be:

 

• 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　

 

• A working knowledge of Hyperion.

 

 

 

 

• Newly created position
• Manager　I spoke with was hired 4 years ago as the 50^th employee – they now have 200, plan to triple in size over next 3 years　
• One of the fastest growing banks in TX –　several branches in Dal, Hou, ATX – grow organically and via acquisition　
• Focus on high net-worth individuals and private sector, not retail　
• Don’t have any troubled loans (like many banks do)
• Target hire in early March　
• Will do financial accounting, statements, reports monthly, quarterly, annually – take from GL, build out financials to report to FDIC, OCC, other agencies　
• Banking experience preferred, other financial services ok.　
• Degreed
• Salary – 75-80K – discretionary bonuses

 

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

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/eag.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Economy+at+a+Glance+-+February+2012+3363&utm_content=Economy+at+a+Glance+-+February+2012+3363+CID_50a336ba1e034fd7e70738cbe3a226cd&utm_source=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=Preview+the+February+issue+of+Houston+The+Economy+at+a+Glance

Job Title:  Senior Accountant

Job Description:  Supervise monthly bank reconciliation process

Supervise/perform standard recurring journal entries for Fixed Assets and Capitalized Software

Responsible for financial statement preparation and supporting schedules, including consolidating financial statements for parent company and 2 subsidiaries

File monthly Sales & Use tax returns

Work with auditors on an ongoing basis

Prepare ad hoc reports as required

Special Projects Working Hours: 40 hours/week + occasional overtime required (usually at month end)

 Benefits: free basic health, dental, 2 weeks vacation

Education: Bachelors or Masters in Accounting;

CPA a plus

 Experience: 2 to 4 years accounting experience

 Other Requirements: excellent computer skills, strong in Microsoft Excel and Word, experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) a plus

 

BASIC FUNCTION:
Auditors are responsible for conducting periodic engagements to review and assess various Company locations and business processes.

DUTIES: AUTHORITY
IA is charged with ensuring the following Department objectives:
1. Compliance with established Company policies and procedures,
2. Adequate and appropriate application of accounting and operating controls,
3. Accountability and safeguarding of assets,
4. Compliance of general business practices with applicable government laws and regulations,
5. Integrity and security of the Company’s data systems and,
6. Effectiveness and efficiency of business processes.

The Auditor will conduct the activities described below in support of the above Department objectives.

The work of Auditors is generally organized into review engagements of locations and business processes. These engagements generally consist of three phases 1) Planning, 2) Fieldwork, and 3) Reporting. The role of the Auditor in each of these phases is described below.

Planning: The Auditor is responsible for completing various aspects related to planning for the engagement. The Engagement Manager will assign the areas that the Auditor will be responsible for completing. In general, Auditors must be capable of completing the following items. II
• Generating and analyzing data from Company software and databases related to the entity being reviewed. II
• Conducting interviews with various Company personnel relevant to the area the Auditor is reviewing. II
• Use data gathered and interviews conducted to prepare a written report that will need to be presented to the Engagement Manager and will be incorporated into a formal planning document. II
• Performing any steps of the review engagement that may be conducted prior to the beginning of fieldwork.
II
Fieldwork: The Auditor is responsible for performing various portions of the review as assigned by the Engagement Manager. II
• Review engagements generally have a written work program that outlines the steps and areas to be reviewed by the Auditor. Auditors should ensure that these programs are completed in a timely and thorough manner. II
• Completion of the work program will entail working closely with the client to gather, discuss, and analyze relevant information to the area under review. II
• Document with work papers the steps performed in the workprogram. Work papers must be of sufficient quality to be reviewed by external auditors. II
• Preparation of memorandum to management regarding issues identified during the course of the review. III
• Review and thoroughly discuss issue memorandum with the client and Engagement Manager. III
• Participate in closing meeting with the client and other team members. II

Reporting: All Reporting is carried out by the Engagement Manager.

Other:
Participate in projects to identify processes in need of improvement, and facilitate and participate in improving these processes. II
This may involve work with personnel from other departments as a team to:
1) Map current business processes
2) Measure business processes through various metrics and identify gaps
3) Analyze metrics and gaps for improvement opportunities
4) Present improvement methods to Senior Management
5) Participate in redesign of business processes II
The Auditor may participate in other projects not specifically identified above in support of the department’s role of insuring a strong internal control environment, and maintaining effective and efficient business processes. II

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

 

PREREQUISITES:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with 2-5 years public accounting

experience desired.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position reports to the Controller.

Preparation of monthly Consolidated Financials

Review of balance sheet account reconciliations

General ledger account adjustments and accruals

Preparation of financial reports including, but not limited to:

Status Report

Hour Report

Quarterly billing reports

Job profitability Reports

Customer reports and related analysis by region

Develop solid understanding of Microsoft-based Accounting system

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The Company is growing and vibrant. The candidate should thrive in

such an environment while possessing and demonstrating the

following skills and abilities:

Self-motivated and goal-orientated

Professional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills

Proven capabilities in problem identification and resolution

Detailed in the execution of work

Moderate to advanced user of Microsoft Excel and Access and of a computer

(windows-based applications)

Willing to work a flexible schedule and extra hours as necessitated by internal and/or external deadlines.

Diane Delgado LeMaire – dcd@fittsroberts.com -WordPress for BlackBerry

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 6:32am CST
 ….. ..Houston not only beat every other large metropolitan area in the U.S. in terms of the world’s fastest-growing economies, but it also topped all other large metropolitan areas in the eastern hemisphere, according to a report from the Brookings Institution.

Houston ranked No. 19 on Brooking’s Global MetroMonitor report, which analyzed large metropolitan areas’ gross domestic product, employment, income and population rates.

Although Houston fared well — the report found income increased 5.5 percent and employment increased 2.5 percent since 2010— almost all other North American markets fell in the rankings.

This is part of a worldwide trend, as more market growth shifts to developing economies in Asia and Eastern Europe, the report found. Surprisingly, half of the 40 weakest metropolitan markets were either in the U.S. or the U.K.

Dallas was the only other U.S. market to get a strong economic growth ranking at No. 36.

The other markets that beat Houston were mainly in China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which all had multiple cities in the top 10 ranks.

 

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/eag.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Economy+at+a+Glance+-+January+2012+3363&utm_content=Economy+at+a+Glance+-+January+2012+3363+CID_172ed8d270492c03dc3ac941be7adeb5&utm_source=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=Preview+the+January+issue+of+Houston+The+Economy+at+a+Glance

December 2011 HAVE YOU HEARD?
		Looking back at 2011 it’s becoming very clear that Houston is leading the country out of the great recession! And it’s not only job creation where the region is showing signs of strength. Increases in foreign trade, industrial production, home sales and airport traffic all point to the fact that the Houston region’s economy is on its way back to its pre-recession numbers. October saw our region reach the point where it had recouped more than 101 percent of the jobs it lost in the recent recession, which hit the region beginning September 2008. Since January 2010, when we began the road to recover, the Houston region has gained 153,000 jobs. Perhaps just as significant, the Greater Houston Partnership is forecasting an approximate net gain of 84,600 jobs for the region in 2012 – with factors that drove job growth in ’11—high energy prices, advances in exploration technology, strong demand for Houston’s exports, a weak U.S. dollar, and in-migration of residents from other places, both domestically and abroad – driving the economy again next year! This year has seen a whopping 28.5 percent increase in the combined value of imports and exports through the Houston-Galveston Customs district, going from $154.4 billion during the first nine months of last year, to $198 billion through the first nine months of this year. The Houston district should set a record this year. Industrial production also appears to be healthy. The Houston Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 61.3 in October, up from 60.8 in September and 54.7 a year ago, according to the Institute for Supply Management-Houston. Readings above 50 indicate growth in production over the next three to four months; readings below 50 suggest contraction. The Houston PMI has remained above 50 for 26 consecutive months. The Houston Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service reported that the area had a 6.6 month inventory of single-family homes in November, an improvement from 7.7 month inventory it reported November 2010. The Houston Airport System handled 50.0 million passengers in the 12 months ending October 2011. Annualized passenger traffic has trended upward from the recession low of 47.7 million in August 2009. The Greater Houston Partnership, along with its Members, will continue to work to take this momentum we’ve built in 2011 into 2012 – guaranteeing another record-breaking year for the Houston region!

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/EconomicForecast.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Economic+Forecast+-+2011+6004&utm_content=Economic+Forecast+-+2011+6004+CID_1ec538992f783553db9e779e86fc679a&utm_source=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=2012+Economic+Forecast+PDF

Staff Accountant – Galleria – 50-55K – Tremendous growth potential! by mclarenrecruits My client is a major player in the services industry and is growing rapidly thru acquisition. They’re adding to their financial reporting team, and looking for a sharp 2 year person, preferably out of public accounting.

Mission Responsible for applying generally accepted accounting principles to analyze financial information and prepare accurate and complete managerial reports, journal entries, and account reconciliations.

Responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following: Ensure accurate and timely completion of assigned tasks Maintain and account for lease and non-compete agreements and prepare respective monthly journal entries and reconciliations (data currently maintained in Access database). Work with corporate personnel and management to obtain information and provide explanations of financial analysis. Prepare and post journal entries as part of the monthly/quarterly corporate close process. Complete assigned monthly balance sheet account reconciliations. Compile and update spreadsheets for executive management review of certain areas such as accruals, legal expenses, amortization, etc. Identify, propose and implement process and/or procedure changes to gain efficiencies, strengthen controls, or improve quality of information provided by the department. Qualifications Experience and Education Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting required Minimum of 2 years of experience in a General Ledger capacity 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed include: Understanding of GAAP and internal controls over financial reporting General understanding of SEC reporting and Corporate financial functions Knowledge of accounting principles and practices Strong familiarity with GL systems such as MS-eEnterprise (Dynamics) Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access)

 Knowledge of Hyperion Reporting-Essbase a plus Ability to analyze data, identify issues and suggest corrections. Ability to work independently, learn quickly and have confidence in the final work product. Complete tasks given minimal instructions and take the initiative to figure out a resolution. Ability to ensure an accurate work product and meet deadlines.

Private equity backed $20M healthcare company in the Med Center looking to grow to $100M over the next 5 years and rapidly acquiring new properties.

I’m looking for an entrepreneurial CPA who wants to jumpstart their career.　 Ideally a 3-4 year public accounting background, in either audit or tax, who wants to be a Controller.　 This person will have full fiduciary responsibility over multiple entities, and be charged with the task of month end close, financial reporting and analysis, supervising the operations team, and helping with M&A activities.

Positions like this don’t come along often for a 3-4 year person.　 This is a huge opportunity to dive in and tackle projects, the likes of which some Accounting Managers don’t get to see.　 In essence, you’re a Senior Accountant performing Controller duties, and if performed well, can become a full-fledged Controller very soon.

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

 

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Description
Responsible for all aspects of supervising and leading a Domestic Trade Accounts Payable team of 8 -10 clerks.
Ensures the following are completed timely and accurately:
Detailed accounting entries
Account and sub ledger reconciliations
Match error resolution for purchase/receiving documents
Provides guidance and liaison for Sr. Manager A/P to the other two A/P teams.
Manages daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual processes related to A/P generically including some specific retail industry and Academy items such as forecasting and managing A/P cash flows.
Establishes, maintains, and adheres to SOX controls, processes and documentation.
Compiles internal and external financial reporting related to A/P.
Prepares special and ad-hoc reporting for management.
Ensures integrity and maintains confidentiality of information.
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 and self-identified.
Duties may change and associate may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum 5 years Accounts Payable Experience

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  |

 

Houston Business Journal

 

　

 

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 10:17am CST

 

　

 

Texas could return to peak employment levels reached before the recession as soon as January 2012, according to a report from IHS Global Insight.

 

Texas may even surpass those levels, said IHS’ chief regional economist

 

 

Diffley said there are two main reasons for Texas’ success: the security of the oil and energy market and the lack of a housing recession.

 

“Oil and energy continues to be a factor (in job growth) and there was an earlier recovery in the high-tech sector in Austin and Dallas,” Diffley said. “There is no doubt that [job growth] will continue to improve.”

 

Other states expected to get back to pre-recession employment numbers between 2012 and 2013 include: Louisiana, Oklahoma, New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia and Vermont. The majority of states are not expected to return to pre-recession levels until 2014 or later.