Director – Financial Accounting Department

Auditor's Office Harris County, TX • Houston, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Auditor's Office is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Director of Financial Accounting to lead a critical division responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the County's financial reporting. This position oversees the County's monthly and annual financial reporting-including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR)-and provides leadership over a team of approximately 22 financial professionals, including managers, senior accountants, and CPAs. This role requires a leader with deep governmental accounting expertise, strong managerial experience, exceptional judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, high-visibility environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 24 accounting credit hours.
• Current CPA licensure required.
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in a large municipality, county, or state agency comparable in size and complexity to Harris County.
• Minimum 5 years managing other managers.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience preparing governmental financial reports and delivering solutions-focused consultation.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with a major ERP system (PeopleSoft preferred but not required).
• Extensive practical experience with GAAP, GASB, governmental accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience researching and interpreting GASB pronouncements and developing internal controls.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, lead change, and collaborate across diverse teams.
• Dependability, trustworthiness, sound professional judgment, and strong analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

• Public accounting experience preparing CAFRs or overseeing large governmental audits is highly valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse financial accounting team of approximately 22 staff, including managers and CPAs.
• Oversee preparation of annual, quarterly, and monthly financial reporting for Harris County and related entities (Flood Control, Toll Road, Community Supervision, Juvenile Board).
• Maintain a cohesive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
• Direct the preparation of the County's ACFR, PAFR, and related statutory reports.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, legislative, and other financial reporting mandates.
• Serve as the Auditor's Office subject matter expert on GAAP, governmental accounting, and financial reporting.
• Provide critical oversight for capital assets, general ledger, financial reporting structures, chart of accounts, and financial subsystem interfaces.
• Ensure proper approval, preparation, and accuracy of audit schedules; collaborate with external auditors.
• Lead implementation of new GASB pronouncements.
• Provide direction and oversight for ERP-related processes; experience with PeopleSoft, Workday, SAP, or Oracle required.
• Serve as a liaison to County departments, senior officials, and external stakeholders.
• Provide consultation and solutions to County departments regarding accounting issues.
• Represent the Auditor's Office in presentations to internal and external parties.

Benefits

• Zero-premium medical plan for employees, with affordable coverage options for spouses and dependents.
• Outstanding Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday.
• Subsidized Transit/Commute Assistance
• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth and skill-building.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualifying Employer
• Corporate Discounts and Memberships

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director