Quarterly Newsletter from Diane @ CFS!

Industry News:
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through the first quarter of 2024. Let’s delve into the latest economic developments and examine the current conditions of both the U.S. and Houston economies, and how they might impact your career.

In the U.S., we’ve seen strong GDP growth, a thriving job market, historically low unemployment rates, and a decrease in inflation. Meanwhile, in the Houston area, economic expansion continues, albeit at a slower rate compared to 2021 and 2022. Nevertheless, the unemployment rate remains at historic lows.

Despite these positive indicators, in my view, the job market isn’t performing as well as the media suggests. While there are numerous job opportunities available, there’s also a scarcity of skilled workers. Additionally, many workers are reluctant to switch jobs due to market uncertainty, shifts from remote to hybrid or fully in-office roles, and stagnant salaries. The local job market isn’t booming, but it remains stable.

Stay connected with me on LinkedIn for further updates and insights. I welcome all connection requests: Lets Link In!

Looking for some excel short cuts? Check this out: Excel Shortcuts and Areas of Accounting


Keep an eye out for more updates as we navigate the constantly evolving job market in the upcoming second quarter. JANUARY 2024 STATISTICS:
National Unemployment Rate: 3.7 Greater Houston Unemployment Rate: 4.2 – last year 3.9 US Labor Participation Rate: 62.5% – All-time high January 2000: 67.3% Houston Manufacturing Index: 51.4 – down again  Oil Rig Count: 619  – All-time high around 1900 in 2012! Price of Oil: WTI Crude 73.82; Brent Crude 79.1

List of Current Openings (www.cfstaffing.com):

IndustryTitleSalaryOffice Location
NonprofitController $170k – $180kHybridBelliare
Legal ServicesFP&A Manager$120KOffice   Clearlake
Legal ServicesSr. Accounting Analyst$85-95K Office   Clearlake
Fuel DistributionSenior Inventory Accountant$100k – $130k Office Cypress
UtilitiesStaff Accountant 65k-75kOffice   Cypress
ConstructionAP Clerk$20 – 22/hr.Office   Dickinson
NonprofitAP Supervisor70k-75kHybridDowntown
O&GSenior Revenue Accountant70k-95k + 15% BonusHybrid (3) + 9/80Downtown
O&GProduction Reporting Supervisor100K-135K +20% BonusHybrid (3) + 9/80Downtown
O&GMarketing Analyst70k-95k + 15% BonusHybrid (3) + 9/80Downtown
EnvironmentalAuditor70k-100kHybrid (3)Downtown
O&GSenior Accountant Financial Rep$85-100kHybridDowntown 
Real Estate Senior Accountant $90k – $95k w/ bonusHybridDowntown 
DistributionFull Charge Bookkeeper$70-80kOffice   EADO
NonprofitCFO$170k – $190k w/ 5kOffice East
O&GStaff Accountant $60-65kOffice   Energy Corridor
O&GTax Accountant$80-90k + bonus (10%)HybridGalleria 
TaxSenior Tax Accountant$100k – $120k w/ bonusHybridGalleria 
O&GSenior Auditor90 to 104KHybrid Galleria 
NonprofitDirector of Financial Operations &Reporting80k-90kOffice   Galleria 
NonprofitBookkeeper 60k-70kOffice   Galleria 
DeathcareSenior Accountant x2$80 – 100KOffice   Galleria 
Chemical ManufacturingAccountant II$88 – 92KHybridGalleria 
ConstructionAP Specialist (2 openings)$25 – 30/hr. plus bonus Office   Greenspoint
ConstructionStaff Accountant $65 – 75K + 8% bonusOffice   Greenway/Upper Kirby
CPA Firm Auditor40 to 55K plus OTHybridGWP 
DeathcareHR/Payroll Specialist $55k – $70kOffice   Heights
NonprofitAccountant/Payroll$65 – 75KOffice   Heights
Higher EducationController $125k – $134kHybridhilcroft / 59
ManufacturingController/small company CFO$160KHybridHobby Airport
ManufacturingController $150k – $165kHybridIAH
ManufacturingTax/Treasury Accountant$80k – $100K HybridIAH
O&GSenior Accountant Analyst$85k Office   Jersey Village
O&GSenior Lease Accountant$80k – $90kOfficeJersey Village
DistributionSenior GL Accountant$75 – 90K + bonusOffice   Jersey Village
ConstructionAccountant/Bookkeeper$62K – 75K  + bonusOffice    Jersey Village
Litigation supportAP Analyst$55 – 60KHybridJersey Village
Real EstateStaff Accounant55k-70kOffice   Katy
ConstructionStaff Accounant60 to 75K Office Kemah
ManufacturingAccounts Payable $16-$18/hrOffice League City
StaffingGlobal Payroll Manager$110k – $120k w/ bonusHybridMemorial
Real Estate Director of Finance150K-175KHybridMemorial
Real Estate Accounting Manager120k plus bonus HybridMemorial 
ManufacturingSenior Accountant$85 – 100KOffice   Memorial City
NonprofitAccounting Director$90KOffice   Meyerland
NonprofitStaff/Senior Accountant$70k – $85kOfficeMontrose
ManufacturingFinancial Analyst 100 to 140K Office   North
TruckingAccounting Supervisor$90-110kOffice   Pasadena
TelecomunnicationsCorporate Controller$140k – $150k /w bonusRemoteRemote 
CPA Firm Tax Manager100 to 150K RemoteRemote 
CPA Firm Senior Auditor / ManagerRemoteRemote 
EDUCATIONAccounting Manager90 to 1ookRemoteRemote 
Manufacturing/MedicalFinancial Reporting Manager$120 – 180KRemoteRemote 
Financial ServicesPayroll Specialist/Bookkeeper$70k – $75kOfficeRiver Oaks
ManufacturingAccounting Director$105 – 115K + 10% bonusHybridThe Woodlands
O&GAccountant / Bookkeeper $70-100kOffice   Upper Kirby
ManufacturingM&A Accountant70-95kHybridWaller
Real Estate Accountant$70k-$90kOffice   West U
Financial ServicesTax Office Administrator$60kOffice   Westchase
Financial ServicesSenior Tax Consultant$60k-70k + bonusOffice   Westchase
O&GAP Specialist (3 openings)$25-26/hrHybrid (3/2)Westchase
TechAssistant Controller145K plus HybridWestchase
TechAssistant Controller145K plus HybridWestchase
TechController 150 to 160 plus 20%HybridWestchase
ManufacturingFP&A Analyst$85k – $100kHybridWillowbrook
ManufacturingAccouting Manager (Controller)$130k – $150k w/ bonusHybridWillowbrook
ManufacturingAccounting Manager$130K Office    9/80 scheduleWillowbrook

HR/Payroll Specialist Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for accurately and efficiently processing payroll, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and providing exceptional service to employees regarding payroll-related inquiries.

HR/Payroll Specialist Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plans.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

HR/Payroll Specialist Responsibilities:

  1. Payroll Processing:
    • Manage and execute end-to-end payroll processing activities for employees accurately and on time.
    • Calculate wages, overtime, deductions, and commissions.
    • Ensure accuracy in timesheets, benefits, and tax withholdings.
  2. Compliance and Record-Keeping:
    • Stay updated on relevant federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
    • Ensure compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
    • Maintain accurate and organized payroll records.
  3. Employee Support:
    • Respond promptly and professionally to employee inquiries related to payroll matters.
    • Assist employees with payroll discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely manner.
    • Educate employees on payroll-related policies and procedures.
  4. Systems Management:
    • Utilize payroll software to process payroll and generate reports.
    • Collaborate with the HR team to ensure seamless integration between HR and payroll systems.
    • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency.
  5. Reporting and Analysis:
    • Generate payroll reports for management review and audit purposes.
    • Conduct regular audits to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
    • Provide analysis and insights on payroll data as needed.

HR/Payroll Specialist Qualifications:

  • Proven experience as a Payroll Specialist or in a similar role.
  • In-depth knowledge of payroll procedures, tax regulations, and compliance.
  • Proficiency in using payroll software (Paychex)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Staff Accountant – Rice Village Area – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Staff Accountant Responsibilities:

  • Maintain the accounting general ledger and account reconciliations.
  • Manage the general ledger recurring journal entries, accruals, prepays for monthly, quarterly and year end.
  • Review, investigate and correct ledger errors, inconsistencies in ledger accounts and prepare supporting documentation.
  • Account reconciliation and analysis of general ledger accounts, including verification of data for completeness and accuracy.
  • Monitor general ledger balance sheet accounts, monthly perform balance sheet reconciliations, tie to movement in the income statement.
  • Reconcile the inventory accounts, including the cost of goods sold, inventory counts and inventory adjustments.
  • Ensure that all accounting deadlines are met and that Controller and Management are appraised of progress and known issues.
  • Back up for payroll, accounts payable and others as defined
  • Oversee accurate and appropriate recording and analysis of revenues and expenses.
  • Enter the budget in QuickBooks based on departmental information.
  • Perform budget variance analysis by comparing budget versus actuals.
  • Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Review accounts payable and other projects for automation to improve accounting efficiencies.
  • Develop, calculate and issue financial and operating metrics.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
  • Preference to degree, with 2 to 4+ years of experience
  • Extensive Quickbooks experience required.