Local recruitment: TWDB - 26-19: Outlays Reviewer Specialist (Program Specialist I-II)

General Description

Performs routine (journey-level) to moderately complex (journey-level) consultative and technical assistance services. Work involves review and analysis of financial data for the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Disbursement Review Team. Reviews and approves funding releases. Provides customer service and technical assistance to internal staff regarding outlay review and processing for TWDB financial assistance programs, including the Drinking and Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs. Reviews invoices, analyzes, and approve outlays required in support of disbursement requests for federal programs.  Collaborates closely with the Outlays and Escrows Department within the Program Administration and Reporting (PAR) Division, as well as with team managers and engineering staff in Regional Water Project Development (RWPD), to support the ongoing success of projects. Ensures timely review and approval of disbursement requests (outlays) in accordance with established procedures and programmatic requirements.  Responsible for ensuring that all documents are maintained with exemplary organization and quality and are accurately prepared for review and payment processing/release in a timely manner. May train others. Works under moderate to general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Disbursement Review Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Analyzes and approves disbursement requests in the form of outlay reports submitted to the TWDB in accordance with approved procedures and programmatic requirements.
• Ensures that all documents are accurate and maintained with exemplary organization and quality and are accurate for review and payment processing and/or release.
• Reviews budgets, invoices, and incoming outlays.
• Coordinates closely with RWPD engineering staff on project status and project budgets issues.
• Coordinates closely with PAR on outlay processing.
• Processes information by auditing and verifying financial data.
• Must be detailed oriented.
• May train others.
• Assists in preparation of reports.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
• Work Experience:
  • Program Specialist I: One year of relevant work experience in finance and/or accounting.
  • Program Specialist II: Two years of relevant work experience in finance and/or accounting.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with government payment processing.
• Previous experience with federal funding programs.
• Experience working on publicly funded infrastructure projects, including familiarity with the different phases of infrastructure projects and how projects progress from planning through construction.
• Experience processing, reviewing, or creating invoices and/or payment requests.
• Advanced-level skills with Microsoft Office Suite, primarily Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience using other Microsoft applications including Teams, Planner, and SharePoint.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Regional Water Project Development Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of federal funding programs.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook.
• Skills in the use of the internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skills in identifying complex problems, reviews related information to develop and evaluate options, and implements solutions.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to quickly learn and implement procedures.
• Ability to work accurately with programmatic and numerical details in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
• Ability to analyze, interpret programmatic, and financial data.
• Ability to work effectively in a dependable, organized, and productive manner to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave, and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly, and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance, and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.