Executive Director - SHARS Program Accountant (Finance & Accounting)

Houston Independent School District•Houston, TX

1d•$170,000 - $195,000

About The Position

The Executive Director – School Health and Related Services Program Accountant – Accounting & Finance serves as HISD’s lead finance/accounting operator for its SHARS Program, a Texas-administered Medicaid program operating under federal Medicaid law. This is a senior-level accounting and compliance position responsible for fiscal oversight, revenue maximization, internal controls, and regulatory compliance for all SHARS reimbursement activities. The position ensures full compliance with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) rules, Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) billing requirements, Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidance, HISD policies, and applicable federal Medicaid regulations, while safeguarding district financial integrity and audit readiness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
7+ years progressive accounting/finance experience, including:
Medicaid program administration
Internal controls and audit support
Budgeting/forecasting and variance analysis
Experience in public sector / school district finance (Texas preferred).
Oracle
SAP
Microsoft Office
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)
Deep knowledge of GAAP-based accounting operations, internal controls, and audit standards.
Strong command of budgeting, forecasting, and executive financial storytelling
Knowledge of TEA, FASRG, and GASB/FASB compliance
Ability to operate in a high-accountability environment with multiple stakeholders and time-sensitive deliverables.
High discretion, strong judgment, and ability to escalate issues with clear recommendations.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and managing teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.
Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through organizational transitions.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices.
Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree Preferred
Active CPA Preferred
Professional certifications or memberships relevant to the industry or leadership role are desirable.

Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Program Governance
Serve as the district’s executive authority for the SHARS program, providing strategic direction, fiscal governance, and long-term sustainability planning.
Advise the CFOO/Controller on SHARS revenue, risk exposure, audit findings, and compliance matters.
Fiscal Management & Accounting Oversight
Direct all accounting functions related to SHARS revenues, including:
Revenue recognition and reconciliation
Maintenance of SHARS-specific general ledger accounts
Cash receipts, accruals, and adjustments
Ensure SHARS revenues are recorded in accordance with HISD standards and financial policies.
Prepare and present monthly financial reports detailing SHARS revenue performance, trends, and projections.
SHARS Billing & TMHP Claims Administration
Oversee the end-to-end SHARS billing cycle in TMHP, ensuring:
Accurate submission of claims for eligible SHARS services
Timely correction and resubmission of denied or adjusted claims
Compliance with TMHP billing manuals, policy updates, and deadlines
Establish internal controls to ensure that claims are supported by valid IEPs, provider credentials, and compliant service documentation.
State/Federal Compliance and Audit Monitoring
Ensure HISD compliance with:
Texas Administrative Code related to SHARS
HHSC and TMHP SHARS policy manuals
Federal Medicaid requirements applicable to school-based services
Lead preparation for and response to:
TMHP reviews
HHSC or TEA monitoring
State and federal audits
Develop and maintain corrective action plans when required and ensure timely resolution of findings.
Coordinate PEIMS/finance alignment and other cross-functional reporting dependencies with district teams as needed.
Documentation, Internal Controls & Risk Management
Establish and enforce districtwide policies and procedures governing:
SHARS documentation standards
Provider credential verification
Time studies (if applicable)
Record retention requirements
Conduct periodic internal reviews to identify compliance risks and implement corrective measures.
Data Analysis & Revenue Optimization
Analyze SHARS data to monitor:
Claim acceptance and denial rates
Provider productivity
Revenue trends by service type
Use data to improve billing accuracy, strengthen compliance, and maximize allowable SHARS reimbursement.
Interagency Coordination and Communication
Serve as HISD’s primary liaison with:
Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Education Service Centers (ESCs)
External auditors and consultants
Oversee SHARS vendor contracts, monitor performance, and ensure contract compliance.
Other duties as assigned.