Probate Auditor

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is

ILLUSTRATIVE

ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Summary The Probate Auditor performs complex work auditing probate records and accounts, conducting research, preparing related statistics and reports, providing legal review and analysis. The Probate Auditor performs a range of complex professional financial management duties that require the application of standard financial theories, principles, and techniques.

Responsibilities Audits annual and final accounts to ensure compliance with court rulings and instructions and the Texas Estates Code. Reviews bank statements, receipts, canceled checks, and any additional information required by law for a complete audit of each annual and final account. Reviews accounts for missing documents and writes letters or make phone calls to request missing documents before auditing. Verifies and balances all accounts, noting questions raised, and cash balance discrepancies on audit sheet. Ensures bond limit is sufficient to cover the estate. Changes status of automated records to indicate next time period court review is required. Develops accounting systems and procedures to support court's auditing procedures. Contacts attorneys to correct remaining problems in annual and final accounts. Discusses problem accountings with Probate Judge and/or Associate Judge. Discusses with judges' issues such as appointment of Attorneys Ad Litem and case settings for Compliance or Show Cause hearings. Sends out monthly reminders for compliance dockets and works with attorneys to resolve problems prior to court date. Attends required court hearings. Updates database to reflect the next required action. Develops and maintains databases to generate reports, conducts analysis, and responds to requests for information. Designs, customizes, and implements methods of retrieving data for use by court staff. Assists in analyzing departmental methods of data usage to identify opportunities for improving databases. Trains and provides technical assistance to staff related to databases. Reviews bonds and miscellaneous applications such as motions to release funds for the Court Registry and applications for safekeeping, commissions, closing of estate, and attorney fees pertaining to the accounting. Discusses with judges any proposed actions on these applications to staff related to databases. Collects and prepares monthly case-activity statistics use to generate reports for court staff. Updates database with statistical information. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a directly related field or a Juris Doctorate from an accredited university or law school. Two years of increasingly responsible relevant professional level accounting, financial management or legal experience, including data analysis and case management related duties. Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Completion of Texas College of Probate Judges (TCPJ) course work. Valid Texas Driver's License.