Accountant II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

8d•$3,410 - $5,094•Onsite

About The Position

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 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 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, oral and written, with internal and external customers.
Ability to use Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access.
Experience in accounting and financial operations required, payables experience is generally preferred.
Experience with a computerized accounting or bookkeeping system.
Graduation from a standard or high school or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Creates complex manual vouchers necessary for agency payments and corrections, including 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.
Audits and verifies 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. Emphasizes accuracy of the posted financial data as well as timeliness of voucher processing times. This includes classifying, coding and verifying the correct Account, program, fund, class and project grant are used on the voucher. Uses 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.
Performs in-depth analysis of vendor financial information and expenditures. 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 on 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.