Staff Accountant

With more than 50 years of experience serving the Texas Medical Center (TMC) campus, Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) owns and operates the district energy system supplying thermal utilities to institutions in the largest medical city in the world. The chilled water and steam system – owned and operated by TECO since 1978 – began under the ownership of Houston Natural Gas Company in 1969.
 
Today, TECO’s combined heat and power based (CHP) system pipes chilled water to more than 26 million square feet across 16 different institutions. Customers use TECO’s chilled water service for space cooling, cold rooms and refrigeration; and TECO’s steam service to meet space heating, dehumidification, humidification, sterilization, kitchen, and research requirements.

TECO expands as needed to keep pace with the service needs of the institutions and operates one of the largest district energy chilled water systems in the world. TECO's economy of size and commitment to excellence result in increased productivity and minimum cost. Design and operating philosophies provide safeguards and back-up systems resulting in resiliency and ample redundancy to ensure the reliable services required.

TECO, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit company, is governed by the institutions it serves in the Texas Medical Center and is known for reliability, resiliency, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship  - The Energy Behind What’s Next on the TMC campus.

JOB SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy of the company’s financial records. This position is highly collaborative, working across Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and Engineering to support daily accounting functions, month-end close, capital project tracking, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to take on a wide range of accounting tasks in a dynamic environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and record journal entries, including accruals, prepaid expenses, and other adjustments, ensuring entries are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Assist in preparing internal and external financial reports.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly (e.g., cash, prepaids, A/R, A/P, inventory, etc.).
• Contribute to month-end and year-end close processes by preparing detailed schedules and financial reports, performing in-depth financial statement analysis and reconciling differences.
• Support the development of the annual budget and monitor monthly performance by analyzing and reporting budget-to-actual variances.
• Oversee the administration of petty cash, ensuring accurate tracking, timely replenishment, and compliance with company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Controller or VP of Finance.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Cash Management

• Assist with accounts payable processing as needed.
• Prepare and issue customer reimbursable invoices.
• Monitor customer aging schedules and reconcile customer payments to billing.
• Manage weekly cash funding for disbursements and track daily cash receipts.
• Assist with cash flow projections and specialized reporting.
• Track capital projects and fixed asset additions; ensure proper capitalization timing.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
• Prepare quarterly and annual surveys and fuel sales/use reports.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Prepare supporting documentation and schedules and respond to auditor requests during external audits.
• Support equity transactions and related calculations.
• Document and maintain accounting procedures and workflows.
• Maintain and update accounting and related system data; support system upgrades and testing as needed.
• Develop and enhance Excel models, templates, and reconciliations.
• Support process improvements including streamlining month-end close activities and optimizing workflows.
• Contribute to internal control enhancements.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Minimum of 2 years of accounting experience (e.g., general ledger, A/P, fixed assets, etc.), preferred.
• CPA eligibility preferred.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (intermediate Excel skills required).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a team environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.