Accountant Job at Hidalgo County in McAllen

Overview

This position involves applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the preparation of financial reports. Responsible for analyzing past and present financial data and estimating future revenues and expenditures in preparation for the Head Start and TDA budgets. Oversee the Cash Management funding operation of the program and ensure that funds are expensed accordingly in a timely manner. Responsible for overseeing the functions and operations utilizing the MIP Fund Accounting Software system, managing the Fixed Assets Inventory, and performing budget analysis for the Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Program Directors, Executive Director and Policy Council members. Assures accurate and consistent recording and reporting of financial data, including in-kind records. Maintains the program financial records and prepares the required reports. Maintains control systems to safeguard program assets and to effectively monitor operations.

Responsibilities

• Record acquisition and disposition of fixed assets; calculate depreciation for fixed assets; maintain an accurate and up-to-date fixed assets inventory as required in CFR Part 75.318 Real Property and CFR Part 75.320 Equipment.
• Prepare Monthly Encumbrance Budget Reports of expenditures by line item for the Policy Council.
• Assist in preparing, maintaining and interpreting Program Financial Statements (e.g., Trial Balance, Balance Sheets, Statements of Revenues and Expenditures, General Ledger, Monthly Encumbrance Budget Reports, Aged Payable Reports, Fixed Assets Inventory Reports) and other reports as needed for all Program funds.
• Ensure that all incurred costs are allowable and that expenditure line items are accurate.
• Supervise and oversee fiscal systems for payroll functions and responsibilities.
• Report significant trends and variations and contribute toward the formulation of future policies and strategies.
• Initiate and direct, in coordination with other staff, cost studies and comparative analysis of alternative operating strategies.
• Investigate opportunities for improving or further routinizing existing accounting, budgeting, and reporting systems.
• Coordinate and submit the Head Start Program’s Financial Reports to the Certified Public Accountant for the Financial Audit and the Single Audit via Suralink (Audit Management Software) as mandated by Program Standards.
• Ensure maintenance of financial records to provide complete audit trails.
• Maintain draw-down deposits and ensure accuracy of Program expenditures for the Chief Financial Officer and the Independent Auditor.
• Assist the Chief Financial Officer with the Budget Preparation.
• Post the annual Head Start Program budget based on the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Financial Assistance Award (FAA).
• Requires effective organizational and time management skills to accurately complete program records and prepare required reports in a timely manner.
• Review and ensure that journal entries including payroll entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, in-kind, voids, and all other journal entries are posted to the financial statements.
• Reconcile governmental reports such as W-2s, W-9s, 1099s, 941s, etc., and reconcile Interfund Balance Accounts.
• Analyze all accounts and complete adjusting entries as needed.
• Assist the Chief Financial Officer with the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA).
• Attend trainings as deemed necessary by the Executive Director and Assistant Program Directors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer or the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Three (3) years’ experience in a federally funded program of similar size and structure as the Hidalgo County Head Start Program is preferred.
• Must be able to collaborate and work successfully with staff in all areas of service as related to the financial operations.
• Must be proficient in detail and accuracy of information handled.
• Must be bilingual (English and Spanish Proficient). Must have an automobile and current liability insurance for work related travel.
• Applicant is required to provide copies of diplomas and credentials of achievements with application.