At Houston Methodist, the Sr. Accountant position is responsible for independently performing various monthly closing duties which include journal entry preparation, cash transaction analysis, account analysis, financial statement preparation, budget preparation, executive management report and distribution and preparation of statutory required reports for assigned Houston Methodist entity. Prepares key operating indicator scorecards for review. Interfaces across the organization with various system departments as well as external business partners auditors and interfaces with government agencies. Performs research into complex issues and responds to information requests from external auditors. Establishes new awards in the accounting system and coordinates the set-up of departments and budgets and works with department staff to ensure proper allocation of costs to new awards as assigned. Serves as a mentor to more junior team members and assists with training and onboarding of new staff.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Interfaces across the organization with various system departments as well as external business partners and auditors to complete audit engagements. Responds to information requests from across the organization.

• Effectively and proactively communicates with all stakeholders to research and resolve issues and discrepancies in a timely manner.

• Serves as a mentor to more junior team members. Supports training and onboarding of new staff as needed.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation. Manages and reconciles banking accounting process daily and reconciles postings to subsidiary systems.

• Reviews and analyzes actual operating data of assigned entity/corporation and general ledger accounts to ensure accurate account balances for monthly and year-end closing.

• Assists and supports department in explanation of actual operating results. Makes recommendation to enhance system of internal controls and operating performance.

• Prepares and analyzes material general ledger account balances. Performs analysis of incurred but not reported reserves. Prepares audit schedules in support of external audits.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Researches (FASB) accounting standards and makes recommendations and provides education in support of accuracy and timeliness.

• Confirms accuracy of key operating indicator scorecards that include volume statistics and business office indicators.

• May perform one of the following:
  - Works in tandem with HM foundation staff to ensure gifts are deposited to appropriate fund in accordance with donor wishes.
  - Performs system updates in conjunction with IT.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports management in the preparation of tax and audit schedules and/or month end and year end closing processes ensuring completeness and accuracy. Prepares and distributes financial reports and accounting data to appropriate stakeholders.

• Performs one or more of the following:
  - Performs research into complex issues and responds to information requests from external auditors.
  - Establishes new awards in the accounting system and coordinates the set-up of departments and budgets and works with department staff to ensure proper allocation of costs of new award.
  - Responsible for daily cash position analysis and settlement of HM which results in operations liquidity decisions.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively manages own professional development. Completes My Development Plan. (MDP)

• Identifies ways to streamline workload and document department procedures and interfaces with other departments.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years experience in accounting, healthcare environment preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• Professional Accounting Certification AND
• CPA - Certified Public Accountant - State Licensure AND
• CIA - Certified Internal Auditor (IIA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Strong knowledge of general software applications

• Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles

• Strong accuracy, attention to detail and time management skills

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of the organization

• Expert knowledge in certain accounting area, as assigned

• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines

• Outstanding teamwork skills

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.