THECB - Program Specialist IV (Travel Coordinator)

General Description

The Travel Coordinator serves as one of the agency’s primary point of contact for travel-related business activities, supporting internal divisions with travel logistics. The Travel Coordinator regularly interacts with employees across all levels of the agency to provide guidance and resolve travel-related inquiries. Is responsible for managing and auditing travel-related financial transactions in compliance with State of Texas travel rules, agency policies, and applicable federal regulations. This role ensures accurate processing of travel reimbursements and related expenditure while providing guidance to employees and maintaining high standards of fiscal accountability. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Director of Financial Operations, with considerable latitude for independent judgment.

General Duties And Responsibilities

• Support agency travelers with travel arrangements.
• Review, audit, and approve travel reimbursement vouchers for compliance with State of Texas travel regulations and agency policy.
• Process travel vouchers, airfare purchases, lodging payments, and rental car reimbursements.
• Maintain accurate travel records and reconcile travel accounts in the agency’s financial system.
• Communicate travel policies and procedures to employees; provide training on updates to state travel rules.
• Assist with preparing reports on travel expenditures for management and legislative reporting.
• Coordinate with vendors, state agencies, and internal departments to resolve travel-related discrepancies.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations as needed.
• Serve as backup for other areas of accounts payable and perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge Skills Or Abilities

• Skills in using personal computers and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, statistical software, project management software, and databases.
• Skills in data analysis.
• Skill in developing presentations, reports, and other documents.
• Skill in troubleshooting and advanced problem solving.
• Skill in customer service
• Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and statutes; exercise sound judgment and discretion when applying relevant policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate in oral and written form to effectively communicate to a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and workload.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet objectives, and successfully meet periodic, milestone, and final deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships both internally and externally.
  
  

Telework With Three Required In-Office Days

This position is authorized for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees are required to work in the office three (3) days per week, with the remaining two days eligible for telework. Specific in-office days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.

Military Crosswalk: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

Qualifications

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Qualifying experience beyond the minimum required may substitute for education.
• Three years of accounting or financial experience, including at least one year in travel or expense processing.
• Knowledge of State of Texas travel rules, Comptroller of Public Accounts guidelines, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and state financial systems (e.g., CAPPS).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in a Texas state agency or higher education institution.
• Familiarity with USAS (Uniform Statewide Accounting System) and state purchasing processes.
• Experience in creating reports and visualizations using PowerBI or other data visualization software.
  
  

Physical Requirements And/or Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;
• Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers and telephones;
• Frequent sitting;
• Frequently works under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
  
  

Workforce

Must be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.
• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.
• Adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the agency’s performance measures and mission.
  
  

Application Requirements

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at  https://www.highered.texas.gov/careers/ .

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees’ Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes To Applicant

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.
  
  

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.