Accountant II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

10d•$3,410 - $5,094•Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state-supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below The Accountant II performs routine (journey-level) accounts payable tasks and serves as the functional specialist for the Regional Accounting Office. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Audits the work of others for accuracy and ensures that corrections are made in a timely manner. Develops, evaluates and presents creative solutions to unit business and accounting needs and problems. Uses knowledge of Health and Human Services (HHS) Procurement policy to make decisions on proper payment methods. Serves as the first line of contact with State Office Accounting, Budget, Purchasing, Asset Management, vendors, individuals, providers, and other state agencies. Assists external and internal customers with understanding Accounts Payable rules and regulations. Work involves researching, resolving discrepancies, analyzing, and processing accounting transactions. Provides backup coverage for others in the unit. Documents and shares the needs of our customers and may assist with additional tasks to meet those needs. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Requirements

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures affecting maintenance of accounting records.
Skill in the use of automated accounting systems.
Ability to review and audit the work of others to interpret and apply accounting theory, business processes, and Comptroller policies and to analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data.
Ability to efficiently process accounting information to ensure data integrity for positive audits and accurate reports.
Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with internal and external customers.
Ability to use Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access.
Experience in accounting and financial operations, payables experience is generally preferred.
Experience with a computerized accounting or bookkeeping system.
Graduation from a standard or high school or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Coordinates, provides technical guidance, and ensures accuracy of Accounts Payable operations of the agency. Specifically, creates complex manual vouchers necessary for agency payments and corrections. These include payments to professional medical vendors, vendors for goods and services, Client Worker Payroll, Petty Cash Reimbursement, procurement card payment, Interagency Transfer payments, and other invoices for the facility. Corrections include Expenditure Transfer Vouchers ETVs that correct accounting and coding mistakes, as well as moving funding.
Auditing and verification of all source documents (i.e., contracts, requisitions, purchase orders, vendor contracts, Texas Identification Number (TIN) applications) to ensure the validity of the invoice or payment request. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of the posted financial data as well as the timeliness of voucher processing times. This includes classifying, coding, and verifying that the correct Account, program, fund, class, and project grant are used on the voucher. Ability to use accounting tools, such as the Comptroller Public Accounts website, to verify correct coding.
Directs agency staff and management, as necessary, to ensure the accurate preparation of all complex accounts payable-related transactions, primarily for contract and administrative type payments; answers questions, researches problems, and follows up as necessary. Coordinates with State Office Accounting and Budget staff to ensure validity of coding, funding, etc., and properly process the accounts payable transactions through the accounting system (Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) and Uniform Manual Statewide Accounting System (USAS)). Maintains current and accurate list of funding, chartfield, and system records to ensure proper authorization and coding of accounts payable transactions.
The position performs in-depth analysis of vendor financial information and expenditures. The position successfully audits requests for payment for errors and ensures the errors are corrected in a timely manner to avoid prompt payment interest. Coordinates financial activities with managers, staff within the agency, and private entities to provide requested information within established timeframes.
Participates in special projects as required or requested and performs other duties as assigned. These tasks may require coordination with staff within the agency, other state and federal agencies, or outside entities. Completes projects successfully within the parameters established and performs other duties as assigned and as required to maintain effective and efficient departmental, division, agency, and enterprise operations within established timeframes. Provides backup coverage for others in the unit and team members using a rotational task schedule.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.