http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/gallery/interviewdress2010?pg=12

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 2:34pm CDT – Last Modified: Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 3:22pm CDT

Houston may be know as Space City, but this week it has another new title: the job-creation capital of the United States.

Houston added 65,600 nonfarm jobs between August 2010 and the same month this year, the biggest raw gain by any of the country’s 100 major metros, according to statistics released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics　 　

The Business Journal’s On Numbers, a division of American City Business Journals, has pulled together an interactive database of the latest data that shows that 77 of 100 markets posted job gains during that period while 23 saw employment shrinkage.

Ogden, Utah, expanded its job base by 3.73 percent during the same span, the nation’s largest increase in percentage terms.

Following behind Houston in raw employment gains are New York City (up 57,400 jobs in the past year), Boston (up 50,600), and Dallas-Fort Worth (up 50,200).

Prepares financial entries by compiling and analyzing account information.

Recommends financial actions by analyzing accounting options.

Substantiates financial transactions by auditing documents.

Maintains accounting controls and prepares and recommends policies and procedures.

Reconciles financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information.

Prepares special financial reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing account information and trends.

Data entry of financial information.

Maintains financial security by following internal controls.

Maintains confidentiality of Academy’s financial information.

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.

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

Qualifications

Two years of related work experience required.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred.

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

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 6:30am CDT

Although a majority of Texas CEOs are optimistic that their revenue will increase during the next year, they’re still pessimistic about the country’s economic outlook, are split on whether to hire new employees and are concerned about the impact of federal regulations on business.

Vistage International’s CEO Confidence Index Survey for the third quarter shows that CEOs in Texas are still wary about the economy and uncertain about their companies’ futures.

Among the Texas results:

• 77 percent of CEOs surveyed think the U.S. economic condition has stayed the same or worsened in the last year.

• 78 percent think the economy will be in worse condition during the next 12 months.

• 48 percent say their corporate expenses will stay the same; 35 percent say expenses will increase.

• 63 percent believe sales will increase in the next year, and 51 percent expect their firms’ profitability to improve.

• 31 percent plan to hire new employees steadily during the next year; 44 percent don’t plan to increase staff levels.

• 55 percent think the Dodd-Frank Act banking overhaul has had a negative impact on the economy.

Nationwide, more CEOs were confident – 92 percent – than Texas CEOs that their firms would see a sales increase. CEOs throughout the country were similarly pessimistic about the future economy, with 79 percent expecting it to worsen in the next year.

Maintain the Asset Management sub ledger by processing asset additions, retirements and transfers. Analyze and explain significant variances in monthly depreciation entries. Peer review of monthly output. Prepare various reports for Financial Reporting and Subsidiary Reporting (PPE Rollforwards, Gain/Loss Schedule, Capital Expenditures, etc.). Assist with audit requests. Maintain Fixed Asset information posted to FTP site. Prepare various reports for HPA Supervisor and Manager to review.

DUTIES: AUTHORITY
1. Processing Capital Movement Records
2. Finalize Capital Additions prepared by RMA’s
3. Assist with month end close process to ensure timely completion
4. Reconcile monthly PSAM to GL II
5. Analyze monthly Depreciation Net Change Report
6. Prepare and review aged CIP Reports
7. Prepare various property schedules (PPE Rollforwards, Gain/Loss, Held for Sale, Capital Expenditures)
8. Prepare and review month journal entries for posting to the GL
9. Provide support to corporate and field accounting personnel on property issues
10. Work with budget and forecasting personnel to review capital budgets
11. Prepare schedules for internal and external auditors
12. Assist Asset Management group with annual physical counts and processing
13. Ensure compliance with the company’s policies and procedures

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

North Houston:

• Staff Accountant (2)
• Senior Accountant (must have public accounting background)
• Accounting Analyst (must have E&P experience)
• Senior Accountant (3 to 5 years of expereince – General Accounting)
• JIB Supervisor
• Revenue Accountant (3 months to 3 years of experence)
• Senior Financial Analyst (Retail or Consumer Goods background)

Downtown & Greenway Plaza:

• Senior Accountant (3 to 5 years of General Accounting experience)
• Auditor (2) – 50% travel
• Quality Assurance Analyst – Compliance & Operational Audits (5 needeed)
• Quality Assurance Supervisor  – Compliance & Operational Audits
• Tax Manager – CPA Firm – High Net Wealth
• Revenue Accountant (PRA a MUST)
• Consultants (travelers with a combination of public accounting and industry)
• Treasury Manager
• Auditor (30% travel)
• SEC Manager
• International Tax Manager

Galleria:

• Senior Accountant (SAP & CPA)
• Budget Coordinator
• Staff Auditor – CPA Firm
• Tax Manager – CPA Firm
• Audit Manager – CPA Firm
• IT Auditor – Oil & Gas
• Business IT Analyst (SAP – Oil & Gas)
• JV Auditor – Oil & Gas

South / Southwest:

• FP&A Director
• FP&A Analyst
• Accounting Manager (CPA, Oracle, Hyperion)
• Senior Financial Analyst (Mfg background, POC)
• Intenal Financial Reporting Manager (Audit background)
• SEC Staff Accountant

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

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Manage and direct those associates serving to coordinate and administer the financial planning and reporting • Lead forecasts and periodic re-forecasts, ensuring that they accurately reflect up-to-date business conditions and to ensure efficient and accurate management of capital expenditure
• Perform financial analysis and develop related management reports in support of operational or functional areas
• Responsible for creating and deploying the new budgeting procedures, building proformas, forecasting and re-forecasting while accurately analyzing and modeling the business
• Responsible for coordinating information gathering, reporting and filing requirements for all tax matters, including federal, state, local, sales and requirements of eCommerce tax
• Assist in preparing monthly reporting package, including comparative reports of GAAP operating results and financial position and variance explanations and Board Package
• Assist in preparation of annual financial statements and responsible for external reporting of audited financial statements
• Responsible for accounting technical research, other business specific GAAP requirements and assist in on-going accounting of these areas
• Offers suggestions for process improvement and/or revenue improvements and expense reductions
• Advance and consistently deliver on accounting and operating procedures
• Perform ad hoc analysis and projections for operational, functional units and executive office and prepare executive presentations
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications:
• Bachelors degree with major in accounting, finance or business administration; MBA strongly preferred
• 10 years in financial reporting, planning and analysis including at least one role in a manufacturing environment
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP
• Strong knowledge and practical application of financial reporting concepts and preferred business practices
• Comfortable with the practical applications of of business software commonly used for reporting and planning (e.g., Cognos, BI, Hyperion, Essbase)
• Mastery of Excel with strong financial modelling skills and proficient in MS Power Point and other MS Office applications
• Strong project management skills and experience in managing and leading others

Diane Delgado LeMaire

dcd@fittsroberts.com

Responsibilities for this position include updating the Excel based long-term financial model with monthly actual results and periodically revised projections. Candidate will make structural changes to the model as required.

Duties include preparing quarterly management and shareholder reports by updating Excel files with actual results and revised projections.

This position will research quarterly management report variances.

The candidate will reconcile model to quarterly management report, then to trial balances.

 Organization of annual budget information and preparing Excel worksheets for budget reports is required.

Responsibilities include preparing monthly capital cost accruals, monthly LOE accruals, and related journal entries.

This position assists with other special projects in corporate accounting or financial planning & analysis.

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business.

Candidates should have 3 – 5 years oil & gas accounting experience with a minimum of 2 years financial statement preparation including consolidations.

Well developed financial analysis capabilities and proven financial modeling skills are a must.

Candidate must have advanced knowledge of Excel; experience with other Microsoft applications including Word and Powerpoint is preferred.

Position Summary:

• Accounting for onshore oil and gas revenues for various Midcontinent and Rocky Mountain states.

• Reconciling 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. 

   

• Knowledge of oil and gas accounting practices is a plus.

• Ability to work well in an interactive office environment.

• Strong proactive analytical skills.

• Professional work ethic and cooperative attitude.

Job Duties:

Month End Close / Financial Reports

Preparation and entry of Journal Entries

Bank account reconciliations

GL account reconciliations including resolution of discrepancies

Maintain a close checklist and close calendar

Monthly financial statement preparation and analysis

Monthly compliance reporting

Preparation of schedules for the annual audit

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Required

CPA or CPA candidate preferred

Working knowledge of GAAP

3 to 5 years related experience with a publicly traded company

Experience with and knowledge of internal controls

Experience with consolidations and intercompany

Experience with AP and Payroll

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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

Experience with accounting software

Great work ethic- lead by example character

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

Takes initiative on improving processes

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

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 Accounting Manager  is responsible for assisting the Assistant Controller in the financial reporting, audit, and special projects areas. Specific duties and responsibilities are listed in further detail below.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Reviews and/or prepares periodic, quarterly, and annual financial statements for Executive and Senior Management

• Key contact and coordinator of the company's annual financial audit, 401(k) audits, pension audit and other audits as required

• Coordinates variation analysis by subsidiary with the accounting and operations departments

• Prepares Management's discussion and analysis of operating results on a periodic, quarterly and annual basis

• Reviews general ledger reconciliations on a periodic and quarterly basis. Establish and monitor timelines for reconciliations and timely clearing of reconciling items

• Participates in the documentation of internal controls processes and procedures

• Documents current methods of inter-company allocations

• Performs various analyses and special projects for senior management as requested. Will work in conjunction with finance and budgeting area to provide information, analysis and review on new and ongoing projects

• Facilitates coordination of information with the financial planning and analysis area (i.e., capital budgeting, priorities and balanced scorecard information, projections and other analysis)

• Other projects assigned by the CFO, CAO and Assistant Controller

• Participation in conversions related to current systems, third-party administrators, etc.

• Develops reports on an as needed basis requested by management

Required:

• 7-10 years of related experience in accounting and finance

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal, customer service and management skills

• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines

• Knowledge and ability to research Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Strong computer skills required with specific experience with accounting systems and Excel

• Bachelor level degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• Must have CPA license or currently working toward obtaining a CPA license

Preferred:

• Strong level of accounting experience related to financial reporting and audit.

• Prior work experience in accounting within grocery, wholesale, retail, or distribution environments
• MBA or MS in Accounting

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Participate in preparation and filing of external reporting requirements required by GAAP and SEC

• Prepare and file 10K, 10-Q, and 8K, as well as other prospectus and registration filings.

• Support quarterly reviews and annual audit.

• Assist with preparation of management, audit committee, and board reports.

• Assist in research, interpretation, and implementation of accounting issues and new standards such as FASB, SEC regulations, and SOX.

• Participate in and/or manage various accounting projects related to financial analysis, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures and systems.

• Assist in their Sarbanes Oxley certification requirements by documenting internal controls over external financial reporting activities

• Additional duties may be assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Accounting or finance degree required

• Certified Public Accountant

• Minimum　3-6 years　experience with public accounting firm auditing public companies or industry accounting for a public company or a combination of both.

• Must possess knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, as well as financial and accounting applications and financial and operational controls.　

• Strong technical accounting skills, including knowledge of　GAAP and SEC reporting requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Proven ability to successfully meet tight deadlines.

Houston Business Journal

Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 7:21am CDT

Employers in the Houston area expect hiring to be upbeat in the fourth quarter, though the majority will maintain their workforce levels, according to data released this week by Manpower　

The Milwaukee-based employment company’s employment outlook survey reported that 22 percent plan to hire, while 13 percent expect to reduce their staff. Meanwhile, 64 percent said they would keep the same amount of employees.

Sectors with the best job prospects include non-durable goods manufacturing, transportation and utilities, wholesale and retail trade, information and financial activities, according to the report. Respondents in the construction and durable goods manufacturing areas said they are planning to reduce their staffing levels.

For Texas overall, the state’s employment outlook is the third best in the nation, Manpower’s report found. Twenty percent of companies planned to hire, 9 percent expect to cut staff and 67 percent of the workforce will be unchanged.

Manpower surveyed more than 18,000 employers in the country for the survey. Nationwide, 70 percent will keep employee counts as they are, 16 percent will add to their workforces and 11 percent expect to reduce employees during the fourth quarter.

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

 45 to 60K DOE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs quality review of operational departments including member enrollment and disenrollment activities

• Helps identify root cause with Business Unit Owners.

• Provides statistical analysis based on audit results for dissemination to management for use in identifying knowledge deficits and productivity issue

• Identifies functional area deficiencies.

• Prepares, reviews, updates and monitors Standard Operating Procedures, with input from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), to ensure proper process documentation, as well as compliance with CMS regulations.

• Reviews departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with functional and operational guidelines.

• Provides support for internal and external regulatory audits, reviews and site visits.

• Identifies potential compliance risks and recommends opportunities for improvement.

• Reviews and familiarizes self with Medicare operating materials, memorandums, and guidance to ensure regulatory compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of quality assurance principles, practices and procedures and ability to apply this knowledge to the planning and accomplishment of a variety of work assignments.

• Ability to apply sampling methods.

• Ability to research, analyze, interpret and apply rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Ability to interpret Federal and State laws and regulations.

• 4 year degree, Accounting, Finance or Business

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

Diane Delgado LeMaire

713-260-5238

dcd@fittsroberts.com

PREREQUISITES
 Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
 2-5 years public accounting experience
RESPONSIBILITIES

 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:
o Status Report
o Hour Report
o Quarterly billing reports
o Job profitability Reports
o Customer reports and related analysis by region

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)

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

Texas energy sector drives state economy, Fed report says

Date: Thursday, September 8, 2011, 6:30am CDT

Texas’ energy sector continues to drive the state’s economy while other sectors experience flat growth, according to the latest report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas　 　

Known as the “Beige Book,” the report released Wednesday noted economic activity in the Dallas district — including Texas, northern Louisiana and southern New Mexico — grew at a “modest pace” since the last report in July. The energy sector continued its robust activity while other sectors like manufacturing, financial services, retail sales and employment were stable.

In addition, single-family housing was still weak, but the report found activity in the multifamily sector was strong and commercial real estate was seeing continued improvement.

Among the report highlights:

• Drilling activity was up since the last report with Texas adding 43 rigs over the past six weeks. Most of the demand was in land-based drilling, while activity in the Gulf of Mexico remained weak.

• Two large retailers said sales in Texas and the Southwest region was outpacing the rest of the country, though by a small margin.

• Contacts in the automotive sectors said sales were improving as demand for used cars remained high. They were optimistic that sales would increase through the end of the year, and felt Japanese manufacturers, still recovering after the March earthquake and tsunami, would resolve their issues by the end of the September.

• There was an overall lack of optimism in the financial services sector, though regional banks reported aggressive loan pricing. National bank contacts said they saw customers being more conservative about their borrowing decisions.

• Staffing services remained a high levels with one contact reporting that direct hiring was outpacing temporary placements.

Gregory Daco, principal U.S. economist for IHS Global Insight, said in a statement there was moderate improvement in economic activity.

“If no news is good news than this Beige Book was a positive one,” he said. “It highlighted the slow pace of economic activity while emphasizing that caution and uncertainty were major drags on growth.”

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

.

Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 7:49am CDT

The U.S. could add 1 million jobs by 2018 and collect $36 billion in tax and royalty revenue over the next four years if it expands oil and gas production where drilling is now banned.

According to an analysis by Wood Mackenzie and commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute　 　 American Petroleum Institute , development of oil and gas resources in the U.S. and Canada could create 1.4 million jobs by 2030. Drilling in coastal waters could also produce an additional 1.27 million barrels of oil equivalent daily by 2015, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Several GOP candidates have touted expanded domestic energy development, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business lobby, included that in its proposal.

“With unemployment persistently high (and) with the focus on jobs, the oil and natural gas industry can make a significant contribution to job creation,” said API President Jack Gerard. “We’re hopeful the president will seize on some of this and will say you know what, this doesn’t take an economic stimulus, this is private sector stimulus and the oil and gas industry stands ready to go.”

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