Vice President, Controller

IN-PERSON - HOUSTON, TX.

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone. Our Mission is to create value and enhance economic prosperity by promoting the Houston region.

The ideal candidate possesses a comprehensive knowledge of accounting and financial planning & analysis. The Controller position will provide leadership and coordination of financial planning, debt financing, budget management, and tax functions for three (3) separate legal entities. Ensure company accounting procedures conform to generally accepted accounting principles and procedures follow proper internal controls. Experience with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is strongly preferred. 
THIS POSITION REPORTS TO THE CFO 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ☒ Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, and supervising team members.
• ☒ Plan, assign and appraise performance; rewarding and disciplining team members, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
   

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads financial planning and analysis activities.
• Supervises the preparation of monthly consolidated financial reports for Houston First Corporation
• Supervises the preparation of annual consolidated budget for Houston First Corporatio
• Ensures timely filing of applicable year-end tax returns (Franchise, 1099’s)
• Oversees preparation of budget and financial statements for the City’s Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department (CEFD), including detailed review of revenues and expenses pledged to CEFD’s bonds to ensure compliance with bond requirements.
• Assists the CFO with treasury functions of debt management, investments and managing cash balances for all entities.
• Continually ensure that proper internal controls are maintained.
• Works in collaboration with the CFO and VP of Information Technology assure that HFC cyber defenses are robust and proactive and that all Finance staff remain vigilant against threats.
• Completes all assigned cyber fraud training within two weeks of assignment.
• Assures that all staff supervised by this title complete all assigned cyber fraud training within two weeks of assignment.
• Along with the CFO, manages commercial banking relationships 
• Safeguards assets and assures accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing the disciplines of internal controls across all companies and departments
• Provides financial information and reports as requested.
• Interfaces with outside independent financial audit firms, including procurement of services.
• Supervises the management of accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, general & entity accounting.
• Acts as liaison with the  City of Houston on financial matters, including insurance, FEMA claims, and debt.
• Documents and updates written accounting policies and procedures.
• Recommend and monitors benchmark key performance indicators against which to measure the performance of company operations.
• Serve as a member of the 457(b) Investment Committee.
• Other duties and special projects, as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, required
• 3 years’ experience in governmental accounting and budgeting, with 5 years in a supervisory role, required
• Big Four Accounting firm experience, government audit background, and GASB knowledge preferred
• Exposure to public debt financing is required
• CPA designation, required
• ERP system experience, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
 

• Proficient computer literate with excellent software skills (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Outstanding professional oral and written communication skills
• Strong computer literacy with ability to use programs such as MS Word and Excel
• Confidential, understands the ethical standards of the position.
• Proven team leader with a high level of energy and motivation
• Coaching and counseling skills
• Ability to motivate team to produce quality work in tight timeframes.
• Understanding, yet persuasive and decisive when dealing with others both inside and outside the organization

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• No major sources of discomfort; essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.