Systems Administrator ~ CPA firm

Who we are

At McConnell Jones, we aim to be a catalyst for positive growth fostering an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions. As the 2nd largest African American owned CPA firm in the U.S., we pride ourselves on the quality of our work, the tenure of our clients, and our own diversity—nearly two-thirds of our people are from an ethnically diverse background. The diversity of our people empowers the diversity of our client solutions, as captured by the firm’s tagline, Diverse Thinking | Unique Perspectives.

Our Mission: To foster an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions.

Our Vision: To be a catalyst for positive growth through the power of diverse thinking.

Our Values: Creativity, Inclusion, Transparency, Accountability

Position is based in Houston with a flexible and hybrid work arrangement.

What you will do

The Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the IT infrastructure of the firm. This role involves overseeing the local area network (LAN), Cloud infrastructure, ensuring system security, providing advanced technical support to employees, and coordinating with the CISO to implement new technologies. The Systems Administrator will also manage backup and recovery solutions, oversee software installations, and maintain detailed documentation of the IT infrastructure. This position requires a proactive approach to system maintenance and security, as well as strong communication and project management skills.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the firm's local area network (LAN) and Cloud infrastructure, ensuring its security and efficiency.
• Set up new users, manage file servers, and operate the firewall.
• Regularly update and maintain the firm's computer systems, including installing antivirus or malware protection software and monitoring for security risks.
• Provide advanced technical support to employees, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, respond to employee concerns, and draft documents to help employees use computer systems effectively.
• Work closely with leadership to determine new technologies that could enhance the firm's computer systems and improve overall efficiency.
• Employ the latest security protocols to protect the firm's data and systems from threats.
• Implement and manage backup and recovery solutions to ensure data integrity and availability in case of system failures.
• Oversee the installation and maintenance of software applications used by the firm, ensuring they are up-to-date and functioning correctly.
• Keep detailed records of the IT infrastructure, including network configurations, software licenses, and maintenance schedules.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to desktop support staff.
• As part of our compliance program, all team members are required to follow industry leading data and system security practices.

What you will need

• Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or completion of some college coursework in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of Wolther’s Kluwer CCH Axcess (All Modules) and ProSystem fxEngagement.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365 technologies and best practices, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Teams.
• Experience with email filtering applications like Sophos, Mimecast, or Microsoft.
• Prior experience working in a full-service CPA firm that has multiple offices and remote workers.
• Ability to work non-standard hours as needed.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with people at all levels of the organization
• Ability to plan and work independently, make sound decisions and responsibilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Experience working in an ISO 27001 and 27701 and NIST environment.
• Any of the following certifications:

Microsoft Certifications

CompTIA A

CompTIA Network

CompTIA Security

ISC2 Certifications

SANS Certifications

• Other certifications and experiences will be considered as well.

What we offer

• Hybrid and remote (determined by position) work arrangements available.
• Stipend reimbursement for home office equipment, cell phone and home internet.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) is awarded each pay period.
• 11 paid company holidays with 3 floating.
• Medical plan with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date.
• Company paid Long Term Disability.
• Company paid Life Insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 401k with company match up to 4% and 100% vested from day one.
• CPA and professional license & certification bonus.
• CPA exam review benefit with Becker CPA.
• Certification Reimbursement for CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA.
• CPE paid for 40 hours per year.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off.
• Fitness center available to Houston office employees.
• Employee Referral bonus opportunities from $1,000 to $5,000 per hired referral.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

McConnell & Jones is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that does not discriminate in employment and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or Vietnam era or other protected veteran. McConnell & Jones policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. To achieve our goal of equal opportunity, we maintain an affirmative action program through which we take good faith efforts to recruit, hire and advance in employment-qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, and other protected veterans.