About the RoleThe 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.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management- 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.
Financial Reporting & Compliance - 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.
Audit, Systems & Technical Oversight - 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.
Cross-Department Collaboration - 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.
Essential RequirementsEducation and Credentials- Bachelor's degree with at least 24 accounting credit hours.
- Current CPA licensure required.
Experience - 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).
Technical Skills - Extensive practical experience with GAAP, GASB, governmental accounting, and financial reporting.
- Experience researching and interpreting GASB pronouncements and developing internal controls.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills - 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.
Ideal Candidate ProfileThe successful candidate will be:
- A seasoned governmental accounting professional with broad and deep expertise.
- Skilled at seeing both the "big picture" and the operational details.
- Confident, diplomatic, and able to operate effectively in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.
- Comfortable managing complex personalities and navigating sensitive audit-related matters.
- Forward-thinking, solution-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Public accounting experience preparing CAFRs or overseeing large governmental audits is highly valuable.
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered.Work Environment & Schedule- Location: Harris County Auditor's Office, 1010 Lamar St., 7th Floor
- Schedule: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
