Accountant III

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for an Accountant III to join our team. The Accountant III is responsible for overseeing general ledger activities, ensuring the proper classification, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial transactions. The role ensures timely and accurate monthly close processes and prepares non-routine journal entries. Additionally, the Accountant III reconciles high-volume bank accounts and assigned general ledger accounts. The position reports the organization's accounting activity to management and offers recommendations on resource utilization. The Accountant III is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a specific funding stream and relies on professional judgment and experience to plan and achieve goals. This role works under minimal supervision, with significant latitude for using initiative and independent judgment.

Your role in action:

• Reconcile sub-ledger to general ledger account balances ensuring accuracy and completeness of all transactions.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes by ensuring timely and accurate posting of journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Prepare routine and non-routine monthly journal entries for assigned accounts, ensuring all account activity is recorded accurately and timely.
• Analyze routine and non-routine general ledger accounts, including reconciliations and accrual entries, reviewing entries for reasonableness and identifying trends or deviations from expected results.
• Prepare schedules and analyses for financial and program reporting as required by management or external stakeholders.
• Resolve discrepancies by investigating and analyzing general ledger accounts, ensuring proper documentation and resolution of variances.
• Work on non-routine special projects by applying appropriate accounting theory and demonstrating critical thinking skills to solve complex issues.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring the reports meet all compliance and reporting requirements.
• Research accounting issues for compliance with GAAP to ensure all financial statements and transactions adhere to current accounting standards.
• Perform treasury and cash management functions, including activities such as resolving positive pay exceptions, performing stop payments, and processing wire transfers.
• Cooperate with internal and external auditors by explaining accounting practices, answering questions, and preparing requested schedules.
• Assist with internal control evaluations, providing input and identifying opportunities for improvements or adjustments to existing controls.
• Supervise accounting staff, providing leadership, guidance, and support as needed to ensure accurate and efficient accounting operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to accounting and financial operations as necessary to support business needs.

What qualifications will you need:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• CPA, other related professional certification, or Master's degree preferred but not required.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in accounting, with a strong background in financial reporting, general ledger management, and reconciliations, preferably in a governmental entity or non-profit environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong Knowledge of Accounts Payable (AP) processes and Accounts Receivable (AR) procedures.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for reporting and data analysis.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards
• Ability to interpret and apply accounting policies and procedures
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong time management skills to meet deadlines effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

• This posting is associated with position #1090 .

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provided care to over 96,000 people in fiscal year 2023!

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language to better serve what is one of the most multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.