Director, Budget & Accounts Payable

at  Houston First

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone.
We are seeking a highly skilled Director, Budget and Accounts Payable to join our team. This role will lead the preparation and maintenance of budgets for all Houston First entities, including Houston First Corporation (HFC) and City of Houston (COH) Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department (CEFD), and Comicpalooza. Additionally, the Director will manage the accounts’ payable function, ensuring efficient and accurate financial operations. This role assists in maintaining robust data security practices for sensitive vendor information. This includes implementing advanced encryption methods and stringent access controls to safeguard against cyber threats and security data protection.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Economics or Finance and 10 years’ experience with creating budgets, spreadsheets, graphs and financial and variance analysis; required
• 2 years’ experience in a supervisory role; preferred
• ERP system experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to identify potential fraud or errors
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Requires familiarity with General Ledger terminology, journal entry preparation, reconciliations, and audit procedures
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices and compliance requirements.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office
• Counseling skills
• Budget Maestro Budget Software (including Link and Analytics Maestro modules)
• AX 365 Dynamics experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

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• Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training and supervising team members.

• Plan, assign and appraise performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Facilitate/Prepare expenditure and revenue budget schedules for each entity’s fiscal year. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Works with SVP to prepare budget timeline, update previous year’s expenditure and revenue files and determine current year base-line budget
• Provides budget forecasts
• Meets with facility personnel and outside vendors as necessary to determine revenues and expenses
• Monitors and process budget transfers and project funding requests
• Provides management reports to stakeholders.
• Supervises and oversees the financial processes related to vendor payments, ensuring timely and accurate payments while maintaining strict compliance with security protocols and procedures.
• Manages sensitive data related to vendor invoices and payment details. This includes but is not limited to review and approve all payments, initiate wire payments/ACH as required, transmit files to bank for Positive Pay and ACH, research positive pay exceptions.
• Backup Accounts Payable Specialist.
• Manage reconciliations, 1099 and unclaimed property reporting.
• Reviews and verifies invoices for accuracy, ensuring proper coding and authorization with a focus on identifying potentially fraudulent activity or suspicious billing practices.
• Initiates payments to vendors in a timely manner, utilizing secure payment methods and adhering to internal controls and compliance requirements.
• In collaboration with IT, the CFO, SVP Finance, Controller and Assistance Controller, Implement and maintain robust data security practices for sensitive vendor information, including encryption and access controls, to protect against cyber threats.
• In collaboration with IT, the CFO, SVP Finance, the Controller and Assistance Controller, identify potential security risks with the accounts payable processes, and implement mitigation strategies to minimize vulnerabilities.
• Acts as American Express P-Card program administrator, including new card distribution, research bank programs, determine credit limits, produce ad hoc reporting requests, provide training, respond to decline inquiries, monthly reporting and recording transactions in accounting system.
• Works with SVP on managing insurance and utility billings and allocations.
• Acts as Accounting and Budget liaison for various revenue and expense contractors; attend financial review meetings
• Other duties and special projects as needed