Director – Financial Accounting Department

Harris County • Houston, TX

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Auditor's Office plays a vital role in supporting essential county services by overseeing the financial operations of over 90 departments. Under the leadership of the County Auditor, the office includes the Accounting and Internal Audit divisions, ensuring integrity and efficiency in the county's fiscal management. The work done is impactful, serving the residents of Harris County by ensuring county resources are managed with integrity, accountability, and transparency. The office is a team of dedicated professionals who value objectivity, innovation, and collaboration. This is a high-impact leadership role in the nation's third-largest county, offering the opportunity to modernize financial operations amid a major ERP transition. It provides a supportive leadership environment and a highly seasoned team of managers and professionals in a mission-driven environment that values integrity, transparency, and public service.

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

• Up to $195,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including a 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