The Spring Fire Department seeks a strong and competent working accountant with a knowledgeable background and direct experience in government budget development, public financial reporting, long-term financial forecasting, financial analysis, auditing principles, and internal control to serve as its first Finance Director.
The community served by the Spring Fire Department is fast-growing, very diverse and family-oriented. Spring, Texas, which is at the center of the Department's larger service area, is a census-designated place within the extra territorial jurisdiction of Houston. Spring offers an easy commute from many surrounding communities and is a short drive to downtown Houston.
The Spring Fire Department operates under the authority of Harris County Emergency Services District No. 7 (HCESD7). An Emergency Services District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas and is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 775. The State Legislature has given ESDs the legal authority to levy ad-valorem (property) taxes and allows the collection of sales and use taxes as well.
The Spring Fire Department provides fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, and fire injury prevention services to approximately 168,000 people across 62 square miles of unincorporated Harris County. It’s located in Spring, Texas, located 25 miles north of downtown Houston with Interstate 45 bisecting its territory along with the Hardy Toll Road and State Highway 99. The Department has a rich heritage that began in 1953 with one fire truck and 25 volunteers and has evolved into a combination department with 24 volunteers, five part-time, and 135 full-time firefighters, and 27 support personnel responding from nine fire stations, with 49 apparatus and 191 personnel.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, and eight years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis, with at least three years at an operational management level. A master’s degree is desired. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Direct work experience with special district, emergency management, and/or fire department finances is preferred, as is knowledge of the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 775 regarding state regulations governing emergency services districts in Texas.
Candidates must possess the following certifications and/or experience:
A valid Texas driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one).
Completed coursework in government accounting.
Working experience and understanding of accounting software (with QuickBooks preferred).
Experience in accounting and control for significant capital construction projects and assets.
Preferred certifications:
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is preferred.
A Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) from GFOAT or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) from the GFOA of the U.S. & and Canada is preferred.
The salary range for this position is $130,000-$160,00 depending on qualifications and experience.
