Director of Financial Accounting

About the role

The 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Education 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.