Director of Accounting

Harris 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-Collector

The 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 Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership & Oversight

• Manage 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 Innovation

• Enhance 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 & Forecasting

• Lead 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 & Compliance

• Oversee internal and external audit processes.

• Respond to audit inquiries lead walkthroughs and ensure documentation meets legislative and regulatory standards.

Truth-in-Taxation & Fund Allocation

• Lead preparation of Truth-in-Taxation documentation including prior year refunds and debt service.

Banking & Reconciliation

• Oversee 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 & Approval

• Oversee 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 Processing

• Approve 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 Management

• Verify 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 Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the accounting department senior leadership and the Harris County Tax Office.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting Finance or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience

• Experience managing a large professional team

• Demonstrated expertise in process improvement general ledger maintenance and accounting

• Experienced in preparing documentation and responding to inquiries for internal and external audits ensuring transparency and compliance

• Strong background in financial analysis including budget-to-actual variance reviews revenue forecasting and management reporting

Knowledge 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 Access

• In-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.

• Masters Degree in Accounting Finance or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Working Hours:

• Monday-Friday

• 7:45 am - 4:45 pm

• Subject to overtime and weekends

• 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 77002