Director of Accounting at Harris County

Position DescriptionHarris County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office is seeking a Director of Accounting to join our team!The Director of Accounting provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Banking Auto-Accounting Disbursements and Reconciliation divisions within the Accounting Department. This role reports to the CFO and manages a large multi-tiered team to ensure that all departmental functions procedures and workflows are executed efficiently accurately and in full compliance with County policies and regulatory requirements. The Director drives process improvement initiatives accurate revenue collection oversees internal and external audit coordination and fosters collaboration across Tax Office divisions and other County entities to support data-driven decision-making and fiscal accountability.About the Tax Assessor-CollectorThe Harris County Tax Assessor-Collectors Office is essential for ensuring the proper administration of tax laws and providing vital services to the community. The office plays a key role in local government handling various financial and administrative tasks including:Property Tax Collection: Assess and collect property taxes for all eligible commercial and residential property owners and entities. Calculate property taxes based on appraised values and ensure collection and distribution to the appropriate entities.Motor Vehicle Services:Manage commercial and residential vehicle registration issue license plates and handle vehicle title transfers including the collection of associated fees.Voter Registration: Oversee voter registration within the county issue voter registration certificates and maintain an accurate voter registration roll.Additional Revenue Collection: Collecting certain fees fines and revenues related to permits or state mandates depending on the countys needs.Duties and ResponsibilitiesDepartmental Leadership & OversightManage and provide strategic direction for all Accounting Department sections and collaborate with cross-functional teams.Give strategic recommendations to senior leadership for decision making.Supervise the Associate Director to ensure division alignment with departmental goals and compliance standards.Strategic Leadership & Process InnovationEnhance efficiency accuracy and compliance across all accounting functions.Lead cross-functional projects resolve systemic issues and implement best practices that support long-term operational excellence and strategic growth.Financial Planning & ForecastingLead the annual revenue planning process and collaborate with the County Auditor on Property Tax projections.Conduct financial forecasting and collection analysis for all jurisdictions.Oversee RTS COGNOS MRTF and Quarterly Census reporting ensuring data accuracy and timely submission to stakeholders.Audit Management & ComplianceOversee internal and external audit processes.Respond to audit inquiries lead walkthroughs and ensure documentation meets legislative and regulatory standards.Truth-in-Taxation & Fund AllocationLead preparation of Truth-in-Taxation documentation including prior year refunds and debt service.Banking & ReconciliationOversee daily bank account reviews monthly interest reporting and reconciliation of deposits disbursements and balances.Manage bank transitions ACH updates and coordination with the County Depository.Supervise merchant services returns file netting and State/County escheatment processes performed by the banking team.Disbursement Review & ApprovalOversee the review and approve all disbursements across categories:Property Tax (including P&I and Renditions) Auto SIT Hotel & Motel Beer & Wine Miscellaneous Fees & Commissions.Ensure accuracy timeliness and compliance with statutory requirements.Auto Accounting & Dealer ACH ProcessingApprove County/State auto disbursements and oversee dealer ACH direct debit processes.Ensure SIT disbursements penalties and interest are accurately processed and reported.System Oversight & ACT ManagementVerify monthly ACT roll-forward reports manage jurisdiction setup and resolve disbursement issues.Perform research and reversals in ACT/TCS including return item recovery and cash payment corrections.Additional DutiesPerform additional responsibilities as required to support the accounting department senior leadership and the Harris County Tax Office.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer you need special services or accommodations please call or email.This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.RequirementsEducation:Bachelors Degree in Accounting Finance or a closely related field from an accredited college or universityExperience:Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experienceExperience managing a large professional teamDemonstrated expertise in process improvement general ledger maintenance and accountingExperienced in preparing documentation and responding to inquiries for internal and external audits ensuring transparency and complianceStrong background in financial analysis including budget-to-actual variance reviews revenue forecasting and management reportingKnowledge Skills and Abilities:Strong written and verbal communication skills for engaging with internal teams external partners and regulatory bodies.Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in financial documentation reporting and compliance.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel Word Outlook and AccessIn-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and industry standards with the ability to apply them across complex financial operations.Proven ability to lead mentor and develop high-performing teams.Skills in setting clear expectations providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative growth-oriented work environment.Adept at managing multiple priorities meeting tight deadlines and maintaining productivity in fast-paced environments.Ability to identify root causes of financial discrepancies implement corrective actions and support audit readiness.Flexible and proactive in responding to evolving responsibilities organizational changes and process improvements.NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.PreferencesMasters Degree in Accounting Finance or a closely related field from an accredited college or universityCertified Public Accountant (CPA)General InformationWorking Hours:Monday-Friday7:45 am - 4:45 pmSubject to overtime and weekendsWork Environment:Work is performed primarily in an office setting subject to frequent interruptions with extensive work at a computer workstation.Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours dependent upon business needs.Occasional travel to conferences and training sessions may be required.Physical Demands:Sedentary role with medium physical effort required however it may at times involve long periods of standing walking bending reaching stretching climbing lifting to 30 lbs. or similar activities (e.g. filing delivering sorting).Regular application of basic skills (calculator keyboard hand tools eye/hand coordination).Work Location:1001 Preston St. Houston TX 77002Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.This Position will be Open Until Filled with Applications Reviewed on a Rolling Basis.Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 120000 - 135000