Cost & GL Accountant – Sugar Land – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

Growing company.

Staff/Senior Accountant

  • Month end close – including accruals and expenses
  • Reconciliation – balance sheet
  • Understand or have knowledge of costing (either standard or average)

 

Corporate Accounting Manager – Galleria – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

The corporate accounting manager will effectively manage all general accounting activities for multiple corporate controlled entities under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).  The Corporate Accounting Manager is responsible for managing the month-end close process and supervising the corporate accounting staff to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis.  The position will report to the Assistant Controller and be called on to interact with executive management as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Maintain policies, procedures and internal controls required to ensure financial statements of corporate companies are prepared timely and in accordance with GAAP.
  • Maintain procedures to ensure expenditures made by corporate departments are identified and properly accrued each month
  • Ensure compliance with internal controls
  • Complete monthly variance analysis of financial statements for all corporate companies
  • Complete monthly departmental analysis reports comparing actual to budget and prior year actuals
  • Supervise month-end close and financial statement preparation process
  • Supervision of accounts payable
  • Evaluate processes and procedures for improvement and develop recommendations for improvements
  • Ensure timely reconciliations to supporting ledgers or documentation of all GL account balances
  • Ensure all bank account balances are properly reconciled on a monthly basis
  • Ensure information required for entries to be made by subsidiaries is accurate and is provided timely
  • Identify profit improvement or cost reduction opportunities at corporate
  • Respond to inquiries made by independent auditors and or Business Compliance department
  • Provide team assessments to executive management
  • Develop relationships with all corporate departments and be responsive to their needs
  • Supervise and review reconciliations for multiple subsidiary accounts to ensure accurate reporting of consolidated financials
  • Manage annual budgeting process for corporate departments and corporate companies

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; CPA or CPA candidate preferred
  • 5+ years experience, including audit, supervisory and management experience
  • Strong understanding & ability to interpret and apply GAAP
  • Hyperion experience a plus
  • Public company experience a plus
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Ability to maintain productive working relationships with other employees outside of the department
  • Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment
  • Consolidation experience a plus
  • Strong skills in use of complex Excel spreadsheets

Diane Delgado LeMaire| Area Director, Executive Search & Branch Manager | Creative Financial Staffing, a division of Fitts, Roberts CPA Firm | 5718 Westheimer Suite 800 | Houston, TX 77057 | 713-490-6003 | dcd@fittsroberts.com|

Senior Accountant (Greenspoint)

Growing company adding to their team!

  • Experienced with Job Cost Accounting
  • Month End Close &  Financial Statement preparation
  • Strong excel skills
  • Understand construction/engineering/service oriented accounting interfacing with multiple locations and projects
  • Good understanding US GAAP and percentage of completion accounting
  • Results Oriented
  • Career Minded with a desire to grow an achieve desire results.
  • Looking for a team leader and developer of people
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Not afraid of fast pace environment
  • Degree in Accounting
  • 5 plus years of accounting experience
  • CPA or eligible to sit

 

Diane Delgado LeMaire Area Director, Executive Search & Branch Manager | Creative Financial Staffing, a division of Fitts, Roberts CPA Firm | 5718 Westheimer Suite 800 | Houston, TX 77057 | 713-490-6003 | dcd@fittsroberts.com|

Director of Accounting – Houston – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

Directs financial accounting activities by performing the following:

  • Establishes, reviews, implements, and ensures execution of accounting best practices for policies, procedures and controls necessary to mitigate risks, protect company assets, and properly report financial activities.
  • Utilizes Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) best practice methodologies to implement same in the Accounting department. ???Establishes a roadmap to rollout pertinent parts to other departments based on risk analysis
  • Utilizes proven experience in managing projects and related project management skills to interact with the special projects team, Accounts Payable, Tax, other department personnel, and other departments to complete projects as needed.
  • Provides guidance from a GAAP and General Ledger accounting perspective on tax related matters.
  • Assists Controller and CFO with various tasks and projects
  • Delegates tasks to appropriate staff
  • Supervises General Accounting operations and teams (General Ledger, Cash Accounting, Sales Audit, Fixed Assets, Projects, Inventory, and Accounts Payable) of the Accounting Department. ???This includes, but is not limited to hiring, evaluating, delivering correctives, and terminating associates.
  • Ensures integrity, accuracy, completeness and accuracy of records and transactions recorded in the books.
  • Ensures proper procedures are identified, implemented and executed to record transactions; reconcile accounts; and reconcile sub-ledgers and interfaces.
  • Supervises preparation and publication of historical financial reports and presents findings and recommendations to Corporate Controller (monthly, quarterly, annually, and any special reports requested).
  • Assists in identification and implementation of accounting software packages and systems integration, as necessary.
  • Ensures that Academy is in compliance with federal, state, and local financial legal and generally accepted accounting principles and requirements by studying existing and new legislation. ???Advises management of needed actions.
  • Coordinates close of books monthly and annually.
  • Coordinates year-end audit preparation with timely and accurate completion.
  • Establishes productive relationships with Accounting personnel, CFO departments and other company departments.
  • Coordinates development of staff for personal and technical skills, including establishing, monitoring and driving to completion goals and career paths.
  • Exhibits working knowledge of theory and execution of core accounting functions, processes and systems, and the proper interfaces with other departments and systems.
  • Exhibits expertise in regulatory and compliance areas pertaining to US GAAP, Risk assessment and mitigation through proper Internal Controls, and Financial Reporting.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

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

    • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and CPA required.
    • Minimum 8 years relevant business related work experience required
    • Consumer products industry and public accounting experience highly preferred.
    • Knowledge of accounting regulations and practices preferred.

Director of Tax – Houston – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

  • Ensures compliance with federal, state and local tax requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements and advising operations management on needed actions.
  • Manages completion of all tax returns.
  • Coordinates activities of tax advisers, tax preparers and other tax specialists.
  • Responsible for managing relationships with external auditors, timely execution and resolution of audits.
  • Assists with the implementation of minor and major corporate strategies, objectives and policies of the Company.
  • Responsible for recommending and communicating goals and objectives of the department and ensuring completion of those strategic and tactical goals timely, accurately and completely.
  • Responsible for the hiring, retention and development of all staff personnel in span of control.
  • Assists with preparation of Company financial statements and tax provision.
  • Works with the Finance department in the preparation of budgets and long-term forecasts.
  • Evaluates accounting and internal control processes and offers recommendations for improvement.  Implements new processes and systems to improve internal controls and segregation of duties for the company and department.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies
  • Required to learn company policies, procedures and safety rules

 

Requirements:

  • Extensive technical and practical expertise in various areas of corporate taxation (Federal and state), including partnerships and C Corps
  • Solid knowledge of property taxes, sales tax and various excise taxes
  • Ability to manage various tax functions
  • Solid knowledge of accounting regulations and practices
  • Strong Excel, Word and Accounting software skill
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, CPA

Staff Financial Reporting Analyst – Regulatory – Oil and Gas – Downtown – to 55K EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

 

Primary Responsibilities
• Assists in execution of the external regulatory financial reporting function:
o Analysis of GAAP financial statements and supporting information to determine impact on regulatory reporting
o Calculation of adjustments between GAAP and FERC’s Uniform System of Accounts
o Review of system generated FERC accounting reports for reasonableness
o Review of information provided by other departments for reasonableness
o Preparation of several FERC Form 6 filings
o Responsible for the compilation and organization of support files for all aforementioned filings
• Performs technical accounting research pertaining to regulatory reporting, including the preparation of memorandums reporting conclusions of such research to management
• Assists in the process of keeping abreast on current accounting and industry related topics, assesses the impact on regulatory reporting of those topics and informs other departments of potential impact upon their reporting procedures
• Assists in development and maintenance of additional system generated reports to improve the efficiency of the regulatory reporting process

 

Education and Experience Requirements
• Bachelors degree in accounting required
• Experience within or general understanding of the midstream oil and gas industry is preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 2007, including general PC skills

Personal Attributes and Position Requirements
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to interact effectively with various levels of staff and management
• Motivated, self-directed and results-driven approach to work, also takes ownership of assigned tasks
• Deadline orientated
• Ability to independently develop solutions to problems/challenges as they arise
• Excellent organizational skills and pays attention to details
• Effective in a dynamic environment, adapting to and managing change in a positive and proactive manner
• Capable of establishing effective working relationships that promote teamwork and collaboration
• Effective interaction with financial reporting and financial accounting

 

Type of Position
• Full time

Staff Internal Auditor – Allen Parkway area – 55-65K EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

 

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Performs detailed operational and financial audits and special projects. May lead audits on small projects but will generally assist experienced senior/staff level personnel during planning of the engagement, reporting the results of the work and administering the project with Company and/or department management and appropriate Company and/or Department Personnel.

 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Keeps the Lead Auditor informed – responsible for communicating significant audit concerns and issues relevant to the project to the lead auditor timely. When functioning as a lead auditor, keep the Manager informed of such issues and situations. Also responsible for tracking time by significant audit program segment and providing time to the lead auditor each Monday. Should also keep the lead auditor informed of time-off requests submitted to the Manager and other administrative matters affecting availability.

 

• Performs Project Work – gather substantive data from accounting records, operational reports, interviews with company/department personnel and observations. Ensures the project work is conducted and documented in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditing Standards of Professional Practice, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and Internal Audit Department policies.

 

• Continues Professional Development – participate in professional and industry organizations and obtain training as needed to keep abreast of current professional and industry trends and events. Required to provide a detailed career plan, training preferences, and project preferences to the Manager prior to or during the annual performance assessment.

 

Benefits Options:
• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan with company match
• Vacation and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement

 

EDUCATIONAL/Experience/MINIMUM Requirements
Education:
• Bachelor degree in Accounting, General Business or a related discipline
Certification:
• Certified or candidate for certification (CPA, CIA, CISA)
Experience:
• 2 years of auditing experience or equivalent experience in a related field
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Strong risk assessment and analytical skills
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to clearly articulate complex ideas, and creative problem solving abilities
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills

Intercompany Accountant – Oil and Gas – Beltway and 290 – to 70K EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

Intercompany (IC) Position Duties

1. Reconcile monthly IC/GIS activity against Oracle Local GL and Consolidated GL monthly activity to make sure they all match each other in USD. Contact appropriate personnel about variances that need to be corrected by Preliminary close each month.
2. Review and compare IC sub-ledgers in Excel to Unsettled Reports in GIS for accuracy and matching each other.
3. Help prepare IC invoices & backup (creating & printing relating to netting IC AR & IC AP and clearing old IC balances (acct. 120004).
4. Help from time to time to enter IC invoices into GIS in time crunch.
5. Prepare IC JE entries each month and review & post IC JE entries in Oracle GL.
6. Run queries on IC/GIS account activity.
7. For local audits confirm that year end IC balances kept locally agree or disagree with balances (IC sub-ledgers) kept by Corporate IC/GIS dept.
8. Oversee that the yearly revaluation of IC balance sheet account balances is done only on companies where it is allowed by local statutory laws & entity does not do monthly revaluations of IC accounts already.
9. Respond to inquiries from various personnel across the world about what makes up IC balances (detail), issues with accessing Oracle GIS, need training manuals & examples for entering IC invoices into Oracle GIS, needing copies of entered IC invoices & support backup, and IC invoice templates for various IC transactions types in a timely manner.
10. Reconcile Oracle Local to Statutory Local for IC balance sheet accounts by obtaining detail data from field offices to be able to compare IC invoice by IC invoice between Oracle Local/GIS and Statutory Local. Document which IC invoices are causing the problem and note why the IC invoice(s) were not allowed in Statutory Local books. (Preferably before an entity is converted to Oracle as the main accounting system for them).

Qualifications:
• Bachelor degree in Accounting, CPA preferred but not required
• 3-5 years of experience
The person should be knowledgeable of US GAAP and advanced Excel skills would be preferred. The person should have a working knowledge of Oracle 11i (IC, GL, AR, & AP), ADI (Oracle), and Discoverer (Oracle) software, although not essential. Knowledge of Monarch software would be beneficial but not required.

October 2012 Newsletter for Accounting Professionals from Diane Delgado LeMaire @ CFS

Industry News and Updates

This has been an interesting start to the 4th quarter of the year. I can’t say that we are super busy on the direct hire side of our business, but we have been very steady. Although year to date, the CFS Houston Team has become one of the top CFS offices for growth!  The demand for contract workers is very high. We are seeing this locally in Houston and nationally (40 offices nationwide).  I wonder how much of an impact the coming election is having on the types of hires companies are making (temporary vs. permanent) and if we will see the flood gates open after we receive the election results. I guess we will have to wait and see.

I continue to be optimistic about our local economy. Most of the news we see every day about Houston is very positive. We were just recently name the number one city in the US for Manufacturing by Forbes. Just simply drive around town and there seem to be buildings going up every where (especially on the west side of town). Construction is always the last industry to come out of a recession, so I am sure this is just the beginning of what’s to come. According to the GHP Houston added almost 90, 000 jobs by the end of August 2012. We are experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in the nation. Again, very positive news. It is great to live in such a wonderful and prosperous city. Oh, and by the way GO TEXANS! They are having an amazing year and I am certain making a positive impact on our local economy :-). Until next time……

Local Statistics:

National / Houston Unemployment rate: 7.8/6.7

Price of Oil: $95 (last year $95)

Oil Rig Count: 1955 (last year 1835)

Industries hiring: Oil & Gas, Healthcare, Oil & Gas Field Services, Retail, Chemicals and Services, Construction, Manufacturing

Positions in demand: Senior Accountants,Auditors, Financial Analysts

Industries not hiring or flat: Telecommunications, Government

Openings:

  • Credit & Collections Manager, SE, 110 to 120K
  • SEC Accountant, Westchase, 1 to 2 year Auditor needed
  • Senior Accountant, Westchase, 60K (2 openings)
  • Staff Accountant, Galleria, 48K
  • Auditor, Galleria, 40% travel 60 to 75K
  • Fixed Asset Accounting Manager, DT, 90K
  • Bilingual Senior Accountant, DT, 60K
  • Controller, Manufacturing, Rosenberg, 130K
  • 2 Entry Level Tax Accountants, CPA Firm, Good GPA
  • Accounting Manager, Katy, 100K
  • Assistant Controller, Rosenberg, 85K
  • Audit Senior Manager & Partner, Galleria, DOE
  • Tax Senior Manager & Partner, Galleria, DOE
  • Payroll Administrator, Woodlands, 50K
  • International Tax Staff & Senior, Westchase, 50 to 90K
  • Revenue Accounting Supervisor, DT, 115K
  • Revenue Senior, DT, 65 to 85K
  • Gas Plant Accountant, DT, 85 to 90K
  • Staff Accountant, West Houston, Small Company, 60K
  • Procurement Rep, 2 to 3 year assignment IRAQ, 100 PLUS
  • Tax Staff Accountant, CPA Firm, Galleria, 45 to 55K
  • Internal Auditor, Galleria, 60 to 65K – 20% Travel
  • Gas Plant Accountant, Westchase & DT, 75 to 100K
  • Sales Analyst (heavy excel), Greenway, 55K
  • Payroll and Payroll Tax Accountants, Galleria, 45 to 65K
  • Pharmacy IT Analyst, Modeling, Data Mining, Greenway Plaza, 80 to 90K

Articles:

Forbes names Houston No. 1 city for manufacturing jobs

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2012/10/forbes-names-houston-no-1-city-for.html?ana=e_du_pub&s=article_du&ed=2012-10-12

Senior GL Accountant – West Houston – Spanish – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Maintaining journals and ledgers for specific entities

Preparing monthly journal entries

Departmental expenses analysis and forecasting

Developing resolutions to complex problems that require frequent use of creativity

Use Blackline account reconciliation tool

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting is required.

Master’s degree and CPA are preferred

6 years professional experience in Accounting is required

Additional Competencies:

Experience with Oracle Accounting Systems and Hyperion is preferred

Big 4 experience is preferred.

Strong excel skills are required.

Candidate must be bi-lingual in English and Spanish. Minimal travel within Latin American is required

Current Openings September 2012

dcd@fittsroberts.com

  • Revenue Accounting Supervisor – Downtown – Oil and Gas – 110K – offshore experience
  • Revenue Accountant (Senior) – Downtown – Oil and Gas – 80K – offshore experience
  • Internal Audit Director – Galleria – 125K+ – need to have presented to Board before
  • Staff Internal Auditor – Galleria – Oil and Gas – 55-60K(ish) – 20% travel (international)
  • Staff Internal Auditor (x2)- Reliant area – 55-60K – 5% travel (domestic)
  • Senior Auditor – Galleria – Manufacturing – 75K – 50% travel (domestic)
  • Healthcare Analyst – Greenway Plaza – Healthcare – 90K – pharmacy experience?
  • Implementation Manager – Greenway Plaza – Healthcare – 90-120K – need project Mgt experience
  • Sr Accountant/Jr Manager – Downtown – Oil and Gas – 95-110K – consolidations, large co experience
  • Gas Plant Accountant – Downtown – 75K – does acct for plant, creates invoices for gas
  • Staff Accountant (x2) – Katy – to 53K – MUST have Accounting Degree
  • Lease Accounting Manager – West – 100K – mix of fixed assets, systems and lease experience
  • Director of Accounting – West – 125K
  • Controller – Southwest – Manufacturing – 110-135K – MUST have standard costing and manu experience
  • Auditor – West – Oil and Gas – 100-110K – Need Oil and Gas experience, JV audits, SOX, E&P
  • Sales Analyst – Greenway Plaza – Healthcare – 50K – 1 year analysis experience, data-mining
  • AP Manager – Downtown – Oil and Gas – 60-70K – Must be degreed, need O&G or oilfield svcs experience
  • Assistant Controller – Construction – West – to 100K – need homebuilding experience
  • Senior Auditor – Downtown – Oil and Gas – 90K – 8-10 yrs, 20% travel
  • Gas Plant Accountant – West – Oil and Gas – 90K
  • Tax Director – West – Consumer Goods – to 140K – Federal and State

 

Revenue Accounting Supervisor – Downtown – Oil & Gas – 110k – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supervise and develop revenue accounting personnel

 

  • Compile and analyze monthly/quarterly reports for oil and gas area level results

 

  • Provide monthly/quarterly variance analysis to Management

 

  • Supervise the recording monthly oil and gas revenues and all related entries and disbursements for co-owner, royalty and tax obligations; assist as needed

 

  • Record, analyze and reconcile monthly revenue accruals; compare to actual results

 

  • Perform monthly price and volume field variance analysis

 

  • Provide monthly support and analysis for revenue related balance sheet accounts

 

  • Review monthly accounts receivable aging; manage collection of accounts

 

  • Assist with internal and external audit requests

 

  • Assist with development of policies and procedures to support accounting functions

 

  • Identify and implement revenue accounting process and system enhancements

 

  • Research and resolve revenue accounting issues with partners and internal customers

 

  • Assist in providing revenue information for Planning and Reserve Reporting

 

  • Understand statutory / regulatory royalty and tax reports, prepare and file such reports and perform related reconciliations

 

  • Track wellhead and pipeline gas balancing

 

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree required

 

  • CPA, CMA, MBA a plus.

 

  • A minimum of eight years experience in all phases of oil and gas accounting. Texas Severance Tax exemptions, MMS and/or CA royalty experience is preferred.

 

  • Demonstrated advanced technical skills in oil and gas revenue accounting.

 

  • Candidate must be able to translate contractual and operational processes to accounting processes and data file set-ups.

 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required

 

  • Knowledge of Excalibur highly desirable.

 

  • Demonstrated skills in developing staff.

 

  • Ability to manage conflict and areas of disagreement with owners, staff, agencies and internal resources.

 

BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Provide the timely and accurate recording of revenue for properties owned by the Company through directing the Revenue Accounting process and staff. Interaction with Operations, Marketing, Property Administration and Land personnel to set-up and maintain revenue file data will also be required.

Accounting Manager – Houston – EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

Job Description:

Assists Controller with various aspects of managing the department and Financial Accounting objectives.
Hires, trains, coordinates and supervises accounting personnel involved in the preparation of detailed accounting entries and transactions.
Responsible for internal and external reporting, including preparing Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Financial Statements.
Responsible for preparation of reporting for management, special and ad hoc, and assisting with regulatory reporting as applicable.
Ensures appropriate controls exist and are completed to assure the integrity of reported results.
Prepares, reviews, and maintains the appropriate ledgers, ledger entries and reconciliations.
Responsible for analysis of financial data.
Assists with the budget process, including actual verses budget and actual verses actual variance analysis.
Responsible for integrity of results reported and confidentiality thereof.
Keeps abreast of current developments in accounting and the retail industry for financial impact.
Responsible for researching authoritative literature for proper treatment of accounting topics.

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

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study or equivalent years of related work experience required.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred.
Certified Public Accountant or MBA preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and accounting software experience.
Knowledge of accounting principles and practices

Audit Manager Role with a Fast Track to Partner, San Antonio, Texas EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

Audit Manager Role with a Fast Track to Partner

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Our client is a well established local public accounting firm seeking an Audit Manager to fill a key spot in their Audit department.  The firm is looking for this position to help establish a strong commercial audit practice in the San Antonio Market.  If you are looking to make a fast track to partner, please send your resume.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with commercial clients throughout the year
  • Participate in performing audit procedures and establish  expectations of product to be delivered
  • Plan engagement objectives and an audit strategy that appropriately addresses risk
  • Develop a staff , delegate work and conduct performance reviews
  • Generate new business opportunities in the San Antonio Market.
QUALIFICATIONS:    
  • Proven solid verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent people development and delegation skills, including training/instruction
  • Possess executive presence – needs to be able to be primary contact for the client, prepare and present presentations to clients and potential clients
  • Client development/relationship-building skills
  • Excellent decision-making skills
  • Supervise and review work of associates and seniors
  • Ability to develop and manage teams
EDUCATION:
  • Four-year degree in Accounting
  • CPA required
EXPERIENCE:
  • 7-10 years prior work experience
Prior significant supervisory experience
 
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 |713-490-6003 | dcd@fittsroberts.com|

Senior and Junior Accouting Manager 90 to 120K plus bonus – Oil & Gas – dcd@fittsroberts.com

Email: dcd@fittsrorberts.com for more information and the complete job description.

Our client is growing and looking to add two Accounting Managers to their team. No oil & gas experience necessary. We are looking for Accounting Managers with heavy corporate accounting and/ or SEC reporting experience. Some of the responsibilities will include: preparing statements of cash flow in multi-company environment and create and communicating the monthly, quarterly and annual close calendar. They will also monitor and drive the close process of subsidiary entities and sub-ledgers to meet calendar close requirements and prepare those entries necessary for the consolidation, which may include consolidating elimination entries, entries to record noncontrollling interests and journals required for complex transactions. We are looking for someone with a minimum of 10years experience in general ledger, consolidations and/or financial reporting roles. and extensive knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Futuremore experience with M&A, debt offerings and consolidations tools preferred. CPA is not neccessary.

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 |713-490-6003 | dcd@fittsroberts.com

August 2012 Newsletter for Houston Accounting Professionals

August 2012

Industry News and Updates

Diane – can you believe that Summer is almost over? Right now it seems that most people are focused on last minute vacations, back to school shopping and getting prepared for unbelievable amounts of traffic on the freeways again. I must say, I do love the sunny and warm days of summer, but I am ready for the fall. One of the main reasons for that excitement is not only the change in weather, but the amount of hires that happen in September, October and November. These are typically the busiest months for permanent placements. Contract placements tend to be higher in the summer months, although there are record numbers of temporary hires happening this year.

So what is new to Houston? According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s Economy at a Glance, consumer confidence seems to be improving. Houston enjoyed the highest auto and home sales numbers since 2007 this past month.  The GHP ties this back to 3 factors which include: job and income growth, as well as the strong performance of the energy industry. They also mentioned that the average annual wage is up $9,100 from 2009. I can tell you first hand that making a move right now does not mean you have to go backwards in salary. That is not to say that people are not making lateral moves, but for the most part everyone is seeing an increase in salary. The market is still doing very well in Houston and good talent is getting harder to find. Accountants like yourself will benefit from that today and for years to come!

Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have and stay tuned for the next newsletter in October.

Local Statistics:

  • National / Houston Unemployment rate: 8.4/7.5
  • Price of Oil:$83.13 (last year $95.87)
  • Oil Rig Count:1944 (last year 1900)
  • Industries hiring:
  • Oil & Gas, Healthcare, Oil & Gas Field Services, Retail, Chemicals and Services
  • Positions in demand: Staff Accountants, Auditors, Analysts, Oil & Gas Accountants, Operations Accounting Roles
  • Industries not hiring or flat: Telecommunications, Government, Financial Services

Local Searches

  • Staff Accountant, Katy, 45 to 55K
  • Tax Staff Accountant, CPA Firm, Galleria, 45 to 55K
  • Internal Auditor, Sugar Land, 60 to 65K – 5% Travel
  • Operations Analyst, Galleria, 75K
  • Internal Auditor, Galleria, 60 to 65K – 20% Travel
  • Accounting Manager, Trading Co, Galleria, 85 to 95K
  • Staff Auditor (Financial & IT), Med Center, 60K
  • AR Analyst, non degreed, South Houston, 35K
  • Sr Accountant, AR, Westchase, 55K
  • Buyer, Planner, NW Houston, Metals exp., 45 to 55K
  • Hyperion / HFM Analst, West, 60K plus 20% bonus
  • Gas Plant Accountant, Westchase & DT, 75 to 100K
  • Treasury / Financial Analyst, Galleria, 100K
  • Cost Analyst, Rosenberg, 75 to 85K
  • FP&A Senior, Woodlands, 100K
  • Sales Analyst (heavy excel), Greenway, 55K
  • Accounting Manager, NW, MFG exp. 80K
  • JIB Manager, DT, 100 to 115
  • Director of Accounting, E&P, 130 to 150K
  • Credit Analyst, DT, 70K
  • Billing Lead, DT, 60K
  • AP Manager, DT 65K
  • Payroll and Payroll Tax Accountants, Galleria, 45 to 65K
  • Pharmacy Analyst – Greenway Plaza, 80 to 90K
  • Internal Audit Manager, Galleria, 90 to 110K
  • Credit & Collections Manager, SE, 90K

CFO San Antonio – Non Profit – 150 to 180K

CFS has been retained by a local forward thinking organization to identify a strong CFO. This would be a highly visible role not only within the organization, but in the local community.  The CFO would be a co-leader in the organization working together with the CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following:

       Develop and utilize forward-looking, predictive models and activity-based financial analyses to provide insight into the organization’s operations and business plans

       Represent the company to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, foundation executives, auditors, public officials, etc

       Oversee the accounting team to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and function; supervise the finance team

       Responsible for annual budgeting process and plan.

       Responsible for accuracy of budget including submission from other units

       Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds as needed

       Oversee cash, investment, and asset management

       Oversee financing strategies and activities, as well as banking relationships

       Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets

       Participate in corporate policy development as a member of the senior management team

       Oversee the IT Team in identifying opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing and purchasing

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

  • 7-10 years of experience in a senior level leadership position
  • Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s and CPA preferred
  • Proven track record of  successfully growing a company or organization

 

Internal Audit Manager – West Houston – 115K plus bonus – dcd@fittsroberts.com

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Together with the IA team, assist the Director and Vice President of Internal Audit in developing a global audit plan using a risk based methodology

 

  • Develop procedures, schedules, priorities, and programs to align Internal Audit objectives and goals with the strategies of the corporation.

 

  • Perform advanced, specialized, and/or managerial auditing work in multiple disciplines. The position holder is likely to be called upon to be a team member, or team leader, on various operational audits and special projects requiring analytical and risk assessment skills.

 

  • Communicate and present audit results confidently at various levels of the organization (Senior VPs, VPs, Directors, Managers, and Staff).

 

  • Develop and manage risk assessment methodologies, design risk management tools and be responsible for assessing risk factors and identifying high-risk areas within various divisions and companies in the organization.

 

  • Undertake comprehensive planning and risk assessments relating to different audit assignments to ensure the engagement identifies exposures and potential business risks and opportunities.

 

  • Manage / assist / complete 12 – 15 individual Internal Audit assignments per year. This will require a motivated individual who is able to work independently and manage Internal Audit staff, and those from third party organizations, or from groups outside Internal Audit (guest auditors).

 

  • Develop and maintain a risk monitoring system and adjust audit plans to address high-risk areas.

 

  • Provide expertise in auditing and accounting standards and performance criteria, audit requirements, and information technology skills.

 

  • Develop and maintain productive and effective customer and staff relationships.

 

  • Teach, train and mentor internal audit staff and coach staff outside of the Internal Audit department.

 

  • Prepare complex value-adding audit reports in a readable format using advanced writing skills.

 

  • Coordinate the daily activities of the Internal Audit team.

 

  • Use data interrogation and other computer tools to data mine and facilitate audit projects.

 

  • Use project management tools to oversee project progress.

 

  • Identify and communicate changes in professional standards, pronouncements, laws, guidelines and audit requirements.

 

  • Assist in maintaining a control risk self-assessment system to facilitate compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002.

 

  • Attend and/or conduct internal meetings and participating in the training of internal auditors.

 

  • Present and/or participate in continuing professional education classes and training courses for Finance staff.

 

  • Ensure that detailed audit work is focused effectively on areas assessed as high risk, thus ensuring maximum payback from the assignment.

 

  • Present audit recommendations clearly and concisely to management and ensure subsequent written audit reports are issued timely.

 

  • Ensure all approved audit recommendations are implemented in accordance with agreed upon action plans.

 

  • Stay abreast of best practices both internally and externally and provide a channel for introducing those practices to the company.

 

  • Be a role model for the company’s values and demonstrate the highest ethical standards.

 

  • Ensure that the Internal Audit intranet web site delivers value-added materials to the organization.

 

  • Other duties as needed.

 

Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required

 

  • Must have an active CPA or CIA. CFE or CGAP certification is a plus.

 

  • A minimum of seven (7) years experience in auditing / accounting / finance, including supervisory and project management experience is required.

 

  • Must have a minimum of five (5) years public or industry audit experience.

 

  • Able to travel up to 25% with overnight stays.

 

  • Strong working knowledge of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) is a plus.

 

  • Working knowledge of Governmental contracting regulations and associated reporting requirements is a plus.

 

  • Experience performing investigations is a plus.

 

  • Requires strong verbal and written communication skills including experience presenting audit results to all levels of personnel.

 

  • Must demonstrate ability to influence and educate others including senior management.

 

Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller – West Houston – dcd@fittsroberts.com

Our P/E owned client is growing. They are looking for either an Accounting Manager or Assistant controller to join their team. They have almost double in size this year alone and are aggressively going after additional acquisitions.  The A.C. will supervise a staff of 5 staff / senior accountants. Other responsibilities include:

  • Supervise day to day accounting functions
  • Manage monthly close process
  • Assist the Controller with consolidating monthly, quarterly and annual report
  • Assist in managing the annual audit process
  • Continue Great Plains implementation

Requirements

  • Accounting degree, CPA highly preferred
  • Great Plains, Microsoft Dynamics experience required
  • FRX reporting experience preferred
  • Supervisory experience

Please email your resume to: dcd@fittsroberts.com

SEC Reporting Manager – West Houston – dcd@fittsroberts.com

Manager – Financial Reporting

A Fortune 500 company with over $6.0 billion in annual revenues.

Manager of Financial Reporting. The position reports to the Corporate Controller, and is the direct supervisor of the Associate Manager of Financial Reporting.

Description of Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position primarily include:

Ownership and management of the process to prepare quarterly 1934 Act filings (e.g., Form 10-K and 10-Q) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);

Creation and maintenance of XBRL documents to be filed with the SEC and related tagging;

Ownership and management of the process to prepare financial statements and other schedules, included in its quarterly earnings release and filed on Form 8-K with the SEC;

Coordination and preparation of various portions of investor presentations;

Interpretation, communication and implementation of new accounting and reporting standards and, as required, drafting response letters to the appropriate authority;

Preparation of monthly financial statements for one of corporate entities, including the preparation or review of various analytical procedures, reconciliations and periodic journal entries (e.g., stock-based compensation, shares outstanding and interest rate swap valuations);

Assistance in the coordination of the 401(K) plan audit and filing of Form 11-K with the SEC;

Preparation of statutory financial statements related to various foreign subsidiaries;

Involvement, as necessary, in any 1933 Act filings (e.g., Forms S-1, S-3 and S-8);

Drafting letters of response to SEC comments on filings, as required;

Coordination with external and internal auditors with regards to review and audit procedures; and

Census and other governmental reporting requirements.

Desired Qualifications

The candidate must be:

A team-first oriented employee;

Detail oriented, with a keen attention to quality control;

Process oriented, with an emphasis on internal controls;

An effective communicator, including the use of both verbal and written forms of communication, able to interact with various groups within the organization (i.e., Tax, Legal, Treasury, Investor Relations, etc.); and

Willing and able to work the necessary hours to accomplish all responsibilities, especially during month- and quarter-end close process, within a specific, defined timeline.

The candidate should have, at a minimum:

A Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, or a Finance degree with an accounting emphasis;

Certification as a public accountant;

Seven to ten years of relevant experience in accounting at a large, multi-location corporation and/or public accounting firm;

Experience with both internal and external financial reporting, including filing of SEC documents;

A firm understanding of accounting principles;

Experience effectively managing and developing staff-level accountants;

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 Financial Management and other Hyperion software products.