Financial Accountant I - job 2 of 3

As a Financial Accountant I at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), your responsibilities include managing the entry and approval of transactional disbursement data, preparing financial statements and reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting policies and guidelines. You'll also be responsible for coordinating with team members to classify and balance financial documents, using various applications like AggieBuy and Emburse Expense for invoicing. Additionally, you'll assist in the development of monthly and yearly financial reports, verifying purchase order accuracy, and ensuring excellent communication across departments.

To apply for the Financial Accountant I position at the Texas Division of Emergency Management, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Alternatively, relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis. The ideal candidate would have a minimum of two years of experience in performing accounting work. Knowledge of accounting principles and applications such as FAMIS, Business Objects, and AggieBuy is highly beneficial for this role.

Success as a Financial Accountant I at the Texas Division of Emergency Management requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly spreadsheet and database software, is crucial. Furthermore, excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Familiarity with General Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards is also recommended to ensure compliance with all procedures and regulations.

While prior accounting experience is not explicitly required for the Financial Accountant I position at the Texas Division of Emergency Management, having at least two years of relevant accounting experience is preferred and advantageous. Candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of accounting practices through internships or volunteer work may also be considered, especially if they hold a relevant degree. Showcasing experience with applications used in government accounting can further bolster an application.

Joining the Texas Division of Emergency Management as a Financial Accountant I offers a great start to your accounting career with numerous opportunities for development. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with seasoned professionals and collaborating with various departments. As you progress, there are opportunities to specialize in various areas such as accounts payable, federal funds accounting, or payroll, which can enhance your skill set and career trajectory. Additionally, TDEM encourages participation in ongoing training and certification programs to support your professional growth.

It’s important to highlight specific accounting software you've used in your previous roles, particularly those similar to AggieBuy or Emburse Expense. Discuss how your familiarity with these tools has allowed you to efficiently process transactions, comply with policies, and generate reports. Mention any training you've received and how you’ve adapted to different systems to improve accounting processes.

Demonstrating accuracy in financial reporting involves a methodical approach. Discuss the checks and balances you implement, such as double-checking figures, reconciling accounts, and using software features that minimize errors. Explain how you appreciate the importance of compliance and detail your past experiences where accuracy was crucial in maintaining financial integrity.

To manage competing deadlines effectively, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I create a detailed plan that includes deadlines for each task and adjusts this as necessary throughout the reporting period. Explain how you've successfully balanced multiple projects in the past while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

In addressing errors in financial data, it’s essential to approach the situation calmly and systematically. Share a specific example where you discovered an error, outline the steps you took to investigate and resolve the issue, and indicate the importance of transparency and communication with your team throughout the process. Highlight any measures you implemented to prevent similar errors in the future.

Maintaining compliance with regulations is crucial as a Financial Accountant I. Discuss your method for staying up-to-date with accounting principles and governmental guidelines, such as regularly reviewing policy changes and attending relevant training sessions. Mention any specific compliance hurdles you've faced and how you worked with stakeholders to resolve them effectively.

In situations of disagreement, open communication and collaboration are key. Describe how you would respectfully listen to your colleague's concerns, present your rationale clearly based on data and best practices, and remain open to feedback. This exemplifies teamwork and strengthens relationships across departments.

General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) serve as the foundation for preparing reliable financial statements. Provide a brief overview of GAAP and how adhering to these standards ensures consistency, comparability, and transparency in financial reporting. You may also want to highlight any experience you've had in applying GAAP principles in past roles.

Navigating workplace conflicts successfully involves understanding various perspectives. Share a specific situation in which you actively listened to concerns, mediated a discussion, and collaborated on a solution that satisfied all parties. This demonstrates your ability to foster a positive working environment while achieving organizational objectives.

Express your passion for public service and how it aligns with the mission of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Share your enthusiasm for utilizing your accounting skills to support emergency management, emphasize your desire for personal and professional growth, and illustrate how you believe you can contribute positively to the agency.

Effective management of sensitive financial data requires a strong commitment to confidentiality. Discuss the importance of adhering to established policies and procedures, such as limiting access to authorized personnel and employing secure systems for data storage and communication. Sharing personal experiences dealing with confidential information can further underscore your dedication to maintaining integrity in your work.