Director for Food & Nutrition Finance
DIRECTOR FOR Food & Nutrition Finance
Salary Information: B27, $8,800.00 – $10,000.00/MO.
State Classification: Director II – 1621
FLSA Status: Exempt
Posting Number: 24-57406-1R
Location: Austin, Texas
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.
WHO ARE WE
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Director for Food & Nutrition (F&N) Finance will direct and manage the General Accounting section of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) F&N division. You will assist the Administrator for Food & Nutrition with planning, developing scheduling and managing the activities of the staff to achieve strategic goals. You will oversee the preparation of financial analysis, account reconciliations and reports; oversee accounting systems, procedures and controls; oversee the preparation of the divisional budget; establish priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinate and evaluate section activities or business functions; and review and approve budgets within departments or divisions. As the Director, you will supervise the work of others. You will work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct the day-to-day activities of the F&N General Accounting section, including personnel management functions, budgeting, controlling expenses, performance appraisals, timesheet approval and ensuring compliance with agency policies and procedures.
Work closely with the Administrator for F&N (Business Management) to establish short and mid-term goals and objectives; and develop and/or approve schedules, priorities and standards for achieving goals for the F&N General Accounting section.
Oversee and ensure the reimbursement of submitted claims and account receivable processes for all programs within F&N ensuring operational efficiency, timeliness, and accuracy.
Oversee the preparation and ensure the accuracy of the financial reconciliation of expenditures and revenues for each budget and program within F&N ensuring timeliness, and efficiency.
Prepare section budget in alignment with agency policy and administrative requirements and ensure actual expenses aligned with submitted budget.
Conduct ongoing grants administration and research, including analyses of grant reports and trends.
Ensure the preparation, timely submission and accuracy of all monthly, quarterly and annual state and federal reports pertaining to meal count, meal reimbursement, financial reports, Legislative Budget Board (LBB) requests and Performance Measures.
Assist with the development of the initial preparation and amendments to the administrative budgets (State Administrative Expense (SAE), Summer Food Service Program), etc. for review and approval by division and Executive management.
Oversee the development and maintenance of the accounting codes as they pertain to F&N programs.
Participate in the development of the Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) related to all F&N program and administrative funds.
Manage and ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the Single Audit Management System and single audit activities with sponsors/providers, F&N staff and the Office of Inspector General Single Audit Unit (OIG/SAU) for all the programs within F&N.
Manage the budget process for twenty Education Service Centers (ESC) including the development, distribution, and receipt of budgets and amendments, monitoring of the ESC’s budget reporting and claims, and the annual desk reviews / on-site reviews.
Work with the Compliance Collaboration Section to ensure the testing and development of enhancements needs within the systems for processing claims and document storage are conducted thoroughly.
Assist the Administrator for F&N (Business Management) in the development of guidelines, processes and rules and regulations for the F&N programs and assist with monitoring internal compliance with policies and procedures and ensure all staff functions and procedures are documented.
Assist the Administrator for F&N (Business Management) in the process improvement efforts and carry out special assignments as required.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree.
Six (6) years of experience in general accounting, government finance, and/or financial reconciliation.
Experience serving in a director, manager, coordinator, senior or related role.
PREFERRED
Governmental accounting experience.
Work experience in grant and/or contract management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Food and Nutrition; of generally accepted accounting principles; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy; and the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to supervise the work of others; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT & WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 5%), occasionally overnight, and travel by plane or car and frequently driving for long distances.
TELEWORK & WORK HOURS
Telework is not authorized for any TDA personnel at the supervisory level. Specifically, this position is not eligible for telework.
Standard office hours for agency employees are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our agency offers alternate schedules for employees, if it does not adversely affect operations and service levels, and standard hours of operation are maintained.
BENEFITS
The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:
| ü Retirement Plan | ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees |
| ü Paid Holidays | ü Paid Vacation Leave |
| ü Paid Sick Leave | ü Longevity Pay |
| ü Dental | ü Vision |
| ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance | ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance |
| ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance | ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts |
A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.
*A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.
TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.
Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.
Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management MOS Codes.