I am trying to collect websites I see online in hopes they can help my followers. I will continue to update this list. Please share comments if you know of additional resources and I will continue to add them.  #houstonstrong

1. FEMA website to apply for assistance  = FEMA
2. Registering online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance since this event has lasted several days and the full scope of damages may not be evident right now. If you are unable to access the internet, you can also call at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
3. Visit the FEMA Social HUB for updates from official emergency management social media accounts.
4. Download the FEMA Mobile App to receive alerts from the National Weather Service, get safety and survival tips, customize your emergency checklist, find your local shelter, and upload your disaster photos to help first responders.
5. Harris County – Resource List
6. Brazoria County – Resource List
7. Galveston County – Resource List
8. Fort Bend County – Resource List
9. Montgomery County – Resource List
10. Red Cross Shelters – Locations
11. To help people affected by the storm – https://txvoad.communityos.org/cms/node/104
12. To apply for disaster unemployment insurance: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services
13. Another way to help: www.volunteerhouston.org
14. United Way: https://www.unitedwayhouston.org/flood
15. JJ Watt’s Fundraiser: https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053
16. If you need groceries or have some to donate: Houston Food Bank: http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/volunteer/volunteer/
17. If you want to help rebuild Texas: https://www.rebuildtx.org/
18. Don’t forget all the animals! www.houstonspca.org
19. Navigating the streets: www.drivetexas.org

Here is another list with links: 

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/28/546745827/looking-to-help-those-affected-by-harvey-here-s-a-list

Our client, located in downtown Houston, is looking for a experienced Accounting professional with a combination of Tax & General Accounting experience. This position will have two direct reports. This position is responsible for taxation and compliance needs as well as the oversight of international accounting operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate all federal, state and international tax policies and procedures.
• Continually review our tax position for effectiveness and efficiency of compliance in a changing environment.
• Perform technical tax reviews and approvals of all U.S. tax returns, all of which are prepared by outside preparers.
• Engage in review of all non-U.S. tax preparations, prepared both by outside preparers and internally.
• Develop and coordinate international accounting and finance process and procedures for our non-U.S. offices.
• Optimize processes and systems for timely and accurate reporting and compliance.
• Research, analyze, model and evaluate tax impacts on the firm and recommend courses of action.
• Liaise with outside tax advisors as needed in the execution of tax preparation and assessment of new or changing requirements.
• Maintain knowledge and keep abreast of tax or other legislation that could affect the business environment and compliance needs.
• Direct reports include the Tax and Treasury Manager and a Senior Accountant. 

Requirements:

• CPA license and college degree required.
• MPA or MBA preferred.
• Seasoned accountant with 12 plus years of experience, preferably at a public accounting firm or professional services experience.
• Deep knowledge of partnership taxation.
• Knowledge of international taxation is a plus.
• High level of proficiency in Excel and the rest of Microsoft Office.
• Experienced in use of tax research tools.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

Our multi location, international, manufacturing client has grown tremendously in the past few years. Currently they are adding a Senior Consolidations Accountant to their team.

Overview: 

Monthly close and consolidations, monthly and quarterly reporting, assisting with reviews and audits, preparation of policies and procedures and process improvement activities for Corporate Accounting.

• Accounting for corporate entities. Responsible for the full–cycle general ledger accounting practices for corporate entities, including preparing and recording journal entries, month-end close procedures, preparing general ledger account reconciliations, preparing financial statements and other accounting activities.
• Ensure consolidation is performed accurately on a monthly basis. Be knowledgeable regarding consolidation issues including foreign currency translation, intercompany reconciliation and eliminations.
• Prepare monthly internal financial reports for upper management review, compiling and analyzing information to ensure accuracy and completeness of accounting records as well as related analyses.
• Prepare schedules for quarterly review and year-end audit processes with outside audit firm(s).

Requirements: 

• B.S. Degree in Accounting
• 3 plus years of  corporate accounting experience.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Knowledge of  SAP  and Corporate Consolidations.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel (required).

Our client is a Fortune 500 company with multiple locations throughout the US. One of their top 10 divisions is located in Houston. The Houston division is in succession planning mode due two recent promotions. We are looking for a gogetter, so if you are looking to be a Controller within the next two years, this role may be just right for you!
The Assistant Controller role will have an active role in monthly reporting and analysis, land accounting, budgeting, forecasting and ad-hoc analyses.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead monthly reviews with Finance and Operations teams to reconcile all balances. Ensure all lot cost assumptions are appropriate and documented.
· Prepare soft cost budget analysis and lot cost calculations. Work with Operations and Finance teams to identify deficits.
• Participate in month-end process, journal entry process and maintain monthly SOX binder for all land related activities.
• Assist the Controller in preparing the annual Departmental Operating Budgets, Asset Development Budget and Cash Flow Budget
• Assist the Controller in preparing financial forecasts of projected revenue and profit in conjunction with financial analysis of budget vs. actual operating results.
• Review subdivision financial performance.
• Prepare and participate in quarterly forecasts and annual planning.
• Perform any additional ad-hoc analysis, as needed

REQUIRED 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
• CPA, Preferred
• 5 to 10 years of Accounting experience, Public preferred
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, accounting theory, practice, and financial reporting
• Strong analytical skills, problem solving skills, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational ability
• Ability to multitask and meet constant deadlines

Our centrally located, nonprofit client, is looking for a new member of their executive team. The VP of HR is critical to the future growth of this organization. The ideal candidate must be interested in working for a mission driven organization. The VP of HR has 3 direct line manager reports.

Responsibilities: 

1. Oversees all recruitment, training, hiring, termination and record keeping.
2. Benefits for all employees. This individual must become the expert on all plans and options that benefit organizations employees.
3. Worker’s Compensation and the health and safety program.
4. Oversees orientation/on boarding training for new employees.
5. Recruitment for all levels as needed by other departments throughout the organization as budgeted.
6. Strategic Vision and solutions to maintain and expand workforce of Goodwill as needed based on overall budget.
7. Address specifically the concept of creating a “manager training program.”
8. Internal employee communications to keep all employees updated on the company’s plans, visions and progress.
9. Works continuously with the President/CEO to revise and implement organizations policies and procedures.
10. Oversees compliance and employee relations.
11. Is the “keeper of records” for all employee data.
12. Manages the implementation and integration of technology through improved staffing and communications with employees.
13. Other duties as assigned by President/CEO

Requirements: 

• An undergraduate degree and experience in the field of Human Resources Management and employee relations.
• Minimum of 15 plus year of HR experience; the more the better!
• Extensive experience with labor law
• This individual must be a team player that has a “can do” attitude and can deal with the day to day management  and assist in the strategic thinking process.

dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

HR 

• VP HR – Non Profit
• HR Manager – Start Up Company – Multi-location environment
• Senior Exec Compensation Analyst

Finance 

• Senior Financial Analyst (Must have FERC)
• Senior Financial Analyst – MUST have MBA – DT
• Financial Analyst – Mgt Training Program – North Houston

Accounting

• SEC Staff Accountant – Galleria
• Staff Property Accountant – NW
• Senior Property Accountant – Galleria
• Property Accounting Manager – Galleria
• IT Auditor – DT
• IT Audit Manager – Southeast
• IT Audit Manager – Galleria
• IT Auditor – Galleria
• Auditor – Rotational Program – Galleria
• Senior Plant Accountant – North Houston
• Junior Accountant – Pearland
• Tax & Accounting Manager (partnership) – DT
• Staff Accountant – North Houston
• Staff Auditor – One year or less – Greenway Plaza
• Assistant Controller – 110K – Galleria
• Senior Accountant – Hyperion & Oracle – Spring Branch
• Staff Auditor – Public Accounting
• Tax Manager – Small Tax Firm
• Senior Accountant – Investment Company – Galleria
• Financial Reporting Manager – Southeast

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/narratives/Employment/Employment_Update.pdf

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area lost 18,300 jobs in July, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The loss was to be expected. The metro area always cuts 12,000 to 16,000 jobs mid-year, the bulk of the losses in state and local education (i.e., school districts, community colleges and state-funded universities) as educators on nine- and 10-month contracts roll off the payroll. The region typically
recoups these jobs in the fall when they return to work.

Four sectors reported significant job losses in July:
• Government cut 16,500 jobs for the reasons noted above.
• Construction lost 5,000 jobs. The boom in chemical plant construction continues to
wind down and office and warehouse construction remains subdued. The sector has
cut 12,500 jobs since peaking in October ’15.
• The leisure and hospitality sector (e.g., hotels, restaurants, bars and entertainment)
cut 1,800 jobs. Like education, the sector always losses jobs mid-year. This year’s loss
is on par with the long-term average. Employment growth typically resumes in the
fall.
• Employment in “other services” (e.g., repair, maintenance, personal care) is often flat
or experiences a slight loss in July. This year was no exception. Other services lost
1,100 jobs last month.
Monthly job gains in upstream energy (+1,000), finance (+1,700) and health care (+1,400) were insufficient to offset losses elsewhere. Though the gains in oil field services offset losses in exploration and production, the increases may be ephemeral considering the domestic rig count slipped five of the past nine weeks. The rates are not
seasonally adjusted. Minor gains and losses have occurred in the various other sectors.

As noted in the August issue of Houston: The Economy at a Glance, the gains in
employment services remain a concern. Companies, worried about the recovery’s
strength, seem reluctant to move contract workers to permanent status. A fundamental
shift in staffing patterns may also be underway, with companies now relying more on
part-time workers than they have in the past.
The 12-month data tell a much better story. The region created 54,200 jobs in the 12
months ending July ’17, with the bulk of the growth coming in manufacturing,
professional and business services (almost exclusively employment services), health care,accommodations and food services, and government. (See accompanying table.)

As noted earlier, the Partnership is concerned about the gains of employment services
and remains skeptical of the gains in manufacturing given the weakness in the energy
sector, wholesale trade, and durable goods exports from the region. The same skepticism
holds for accommodations and food services as well, due to the decline in total wages
and salaries for the region.

Readers are cautioned that all numbers that TWC reported today are preliminary and will be revised, perhaps significantly, in March of next year.

Houston’s July unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, down from 5.3 percent in June and from 5.8 percent in July ’16. Texas’ unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in July, down from 4.7 percent in June and 5.1 percent in July ’16. The U.S. rate was 4.6 percent in July, up from 4.5 percent in June but down from 5.1 percent in July ’16. The rates are not
seasonally adjusted.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Department

Patrick Jankowski, CCR
Senior Vice President, Research
713-844-3616
pjankowski@houston.org

Jenny Philip
Director, Economic Research
713-844-3615
jphilip@houston.org

CFS is adding a Recruiter to our amazing Houston Team. We are looking for a smart, stable, successful professional to apply his/her business and sales acumen and add value to our clients and candidates. Our Houston office is a top billing office for CFS and is comprised of a dynamic, fun, motivated and successful people. The entire team is highly focused and commitment to servicing the needs of our clients and candidates and working as a tight-knit, collaborative team.

If you have considered a career in the staffing industry OR if you are already in the industry but are seeking a change, see what CFS has to offer. We have experienced tremendous success transitioning individuals from administrative staffing and individuals from public accounting who enjoy business development.

Why work for CFS?

ü We were founded by leading public accounting firms. This large national network helps us to attract the top accounting talent in the market.

ü We are employee-owned!

ü We have 40 offices nationally. We offer excellent infrastructure, training, corporate-run marketing programs, sales incentive trips, competitive comp plans and career advancement. At CFS, you have all the benefits of being part of a national company, while still enjoying the close-knit, family-feel of your local office.

ü Check out CFS’s approval rating on www.glassdoor.com.

ü CFS offers a culture that is unique to the staffing industry. If you’ve worked for the corporate giants of the industry, you may be tired of the micro-management, the unattainable metrics and the lack of flexibility in your work day.

Overview of the role

• Recruit accounting and finance professionals for specific positions through networking, direct sourcing calls, and internet recruiting.
• Interview accounting and finance professionals to determine skill sets and career goals.
• Work closely with your candidates to provide career guidance & match with appropriate job opportunities at client companies.
• Obtain new clients through direct marketing efforts.
• Work closely with hiring managers at client companies to assess job opening(s), represent appropriate candidates, and manage the interview/offer process.
• Manage the interview process between your candidate and client, including relaying feedback between parties & salary negotiations.
  Handle all appropriate follow up with your candidates and clients to build meaningful and productive relationships.

The ideal fit for this role:

• Proven track record of success in staffing, B2B sales OR 1-4 years in public accounting
• Ability to confidently and effectively communicate at all levels in an organization
• Good at connecting on social media and via email, but even better at picking up the phone and making things happen
• Takes ownership of his/her work
• Driven, competitive, and self-motivated
• Good sense of humor

CFS Background

We are an employee-owned national staffing organization that focuses exclusively on accounting and finance. We were founded by leading public accounting firms. This large national network helps us to attract the top accounting talent in the market–a distinct competitive advantage. Both CFS and our CPA firm founders place high importance on integrity. This value is carried through our relationships with candidates, clients, and within the team.

Benefits & Compensation

Your overall compensation plan will include a competitive base and commission structure. You will also participate in monthly, quarterly & annual national sales contests with rewards such as all-expense paid trips to tropical destinations. We offer competitive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, & 401K plan.

Keywords: staffing, recruiting, recruiter, executive recruiter, accounting, finance, public accounting, Big 4, CPA, sales, business development, account manager, account management

Our Client is an established, fast paced and entrepreneurial commercial real estate company located in the Galleria district. They have a work hard play hard mentality and are looking for a senior commercial property accountant to join their team. The position responsibilities include analyzing financial information in preparation for entry into various financial statements and accounting reports, and making appropriate journal entries for recording in the general ledger by checking calculations, reviewing basis for figures, and balancing and reconciling figures, and balancing and reconciling balance sheet accounts.  The ideal candidate should have great verbal and written communication skills, as they will be in constant communication with third parties to assist in completing pre-close and close activities, answer questions, provide support, and ensure timely completion of accounting processes for on-time client and Company reporting.

Why Work Here?

• Free lunches everyday
• Ability to work in an entrepreneurial environment
• Benefits after first month of employment
• Discretionary bonus

What do you need to work here?

• Commercial property management accounting experience required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required!
• Yardi and Timberline software experience is preferred
• At least 6+ years in a Property Accountant role
• Experience with CAM Reconciliations

Controller- 90-105k, 10% bonus

The controller is responsible for directing the accounting functions of an affordable housing organization. These functions include establishing and maintaining the organization’s accounting principles, practices, procedures and initiatives. Prepares financial reports and presents findings and recommendations to top management.

The position serves as the primary resource to the CFO in treasury management, forecasting, accounting and budgeting efforts of the organization and its affiliates.
ABOUT MY CLIENT:
My client is a stable and growing mission driven organization with both non-profit and for profit entities. We are seeking a rockstar Accountant/Controller to join their team of ~15. The ideal candidate will possess leadership qualities, have experience with systems conversions and implementations, be a CPA or CPA eligible, and a true “go-getter”. Experience in audit, Property management, construction, and non profit are preferable. However, if you do not possess the industry experience, it is imperative you are a fast learner and are eager to grasp new concepts!

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with 100% paid medical benefits, a great team, and flexibility in your work schedule.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTROLLER:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Manages the Finance Department for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports including, but not limited to, internal and external monthly financial statements and annual audits and annual budgets.
2. Responsible for coordination of annual audits for multiple entities.
3. Oversees and manages appropriate regulatory compliance requirements.
4. Monitors the activities of the accounts payable department to ensure the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, purchase orders, petty cash, core employee expense reports, cash control, core payroll processing and total corporate payroll tax compliance.
5. Assures corporate income tax compliance to assure the accurate and timely completion of all corporate income tax returns for multiple entities, taking full advantage of all favorable tax codes.
6. Establishes and maintains systems and controls that verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data, and enhance the company’s value.
7. Responds to CFO as assigned with accurate and timely work to facilitate financial needs.
8. Responsible for coordinating and completing all deadline-focused projects.
9. Participates in a wide variety of special projects and compiles a variety of special reports.
10. Leads and directs the work of others within the departmental hierarchy.
11. Assists in driving change of organization’s strategic initiatives, including automated financial and management information systems for the organization.

Competencies

1. Financial Management.
2. Technical Capacity.
3. Performance Management.
4. Ethical Conduct.
5. Communication Proficiency.
6. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.

Supervisory Responsibility for the Controller

This position is responsible for managing the accounting department. Must demonstrate ability to plan, direct and/or supervise the work of others, and delegate responsibility and authority. Must maintain a positive work environment by creating job motivation and enthusiasm and have the ability to resolve conflicts in positive ways.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
2. CPA certification.
3. Eight to ten years of hands-on accounting managerial experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Five years corporate audit experience preferred.
2. Knowledge of and previous experience in HUD/Affordable Housing Regulations
3. Property management and/or non profit or construction industry experience

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/quickview/Economy_at_a_Glance.pdf

EMPLOYMENT AT MID-YEAR

Metro Houston added 22,900 jobs in the first half of ’17, an improvement over the comparable periods in ’15 and ’16, when Houston posted significant losses.

The region will undoubtedly finish the year with net job gains, likely adding more than the 29,700 jobs in the Partnership’s original forecast, but still short of the long term average of 60,000 per year. How short? That depends on how the second half of ’17 plays out, whether current employment trends reflect a cyclical pattern or a fundamental restructuring of the economy, and how accurately the Texas Workforce Commission is measuring current employment trends.
Six sectors account for the bulk of job growth to date— employment services; manufacturing; food services and drinking places; arts, entertainment and recreation; health care; and other services. As a group, they’ve added 48,900 jobs through June. Three sectors account for the bulk of Houston’s losses—retail; transportation, warehousing, utilities; and wholesale trade. As a group, they’ve cut 27,800 jobs. Lesser gains and losses have occurred in other sectors. Energy remains an enigma.

SECTORS ADDING JOBS

Employment services (primarily contract workers) leads all other sectors, adding 10,600 jobs since January. That’s a near-record six-month performance. Employment services has added 16,000 jobs since June ’16. That is a record 12-month performance.

Gains or losses for the sector foreshadow gains or losses for the broader economy. In a downturn, firms lay off contract workers before cutting permanent staff. In a recovery, firms often hire contract workers to handle the increase in business, placing them on the permanent payroll as growth gathers steam.

Employment services has trended upward since November ’16 and now stands at an all-time high. In a normal recovery, growth should have plateaued by now, giving rise to gains in other sectors, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Two possible explanations:
• Employers still worry about the recovery’s strength and remain reluctant to move contract workers to permanent status, or
• A fundamental shift in staffing patterns is underway. Just-in-time inventory systems have been in place for years. Just-in-time staffing (i.e., reliance on contract
workers) may be the next step.

For more information: 

http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/quickview/Economy_at_a_Glance.pdf