James Buras
Certified Public Accountant
Prairieville,LA
Summary
Buras began his career with a regional public accounting firm, where he focused on auditing and tax work. He then joined United Steel Company Inc., as secretary/treasurer overseeing all accounting and reporting functions.
In 1994 he joined the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office (LLA). In his role as a financial and compliance auditor, he participated on audit teams tasked with auditing the State of Louisiana’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
In 2004, Jim assumed the role of Comptroller/CFO, where he oversaw all aspects of fiscal management systems of the LLA including, but not limited to, timely internal and external reporting, budgeting, general ledger, accounts payable, revenue billings, and receivables, payroll, and fixed asset management.
Buras joined Louisiana State University in 2014 as the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration until his retirement in 2022, when he joined Ascension Parish Government in his current role as purchasing director.
Buras is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Purchasing
Ascension Parish Government
07.2022 - Current
- Responsible for overseeing the timely procurement of all goods and services required by the Parish in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures
- Responsible for tasks associated with the effective implementation of the bid process
- Ensure that compliance with all state laws, administrative codes, statutes, parish ordinances, policies, and procedures pertaining to the purchasing process are adequately explained, interpreted, and followed by all departments and that the integrity of the purchasing process is maintained through continued training, education, and supervision of staff
- Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the purchasing department
- Responsible for personnel-related tasks including training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems
- Review and execute contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and other documents with vendors and complete vendor audits as needed
- Provide information as requested by the Parish President, Council members, etc.
- Attend committee meetings, board meetings, or Council meetings as needed
- Serve as point of contact for all issues and as a liaison with external regulatory agencies
Assistant Vice President for Finance & Administration
Louisiana State University System (LSU)
01.2014 - 06.2022
- Working in collaboration with the LSU President, senior University executives and staff, direct, plan, and perform financial and budgetary operations and activities of the Louisiana State University System and all budgetary entities under its direction
- Develop and implement policies and procedures, organize tasks and set priorities, and serve as a liaison on finance and budget related reporting issues with other University personnel and outside constituencies.
- Generated financial and operational reports to assist management with business strategy.
- Attended weekly meetings and special sessions of Leadership and Executive Leadership Teams and contributed to major administrative initiatives, policies and decisions.
Audit Manager | Retirement Benefits Administrator
Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL)
09.2009 - 12.2013
- Full administrative responsibility and interaction with the TRSL Board of Trustees
- Managed the TRSL Retirement Department consisting of 46 retirement benefits analysts, supervisors, managers, and clerical support personnel by overseeing the determination of eligibility and the application of complex formulas in accordance with state law, board policies, and administrative decisions.
Comptroller | Auditor-in-Charge | Auditor
Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA)
09.1994 - 09.2009
- Working in progressively responsible professional-level auditing and accounting positions to include five (5) years as Comptroller and 10 years as a Financial & Compliance Auditor during a 15-year tenure with the LLA.
Secretary-Treasurer
United Steel Company, Inc.
08.1991 - 09.1994
- Senior executive responsible for managing the financial actions of the company.
Staff Auditor
Hannis T. Bourgeois, CPAs
01.1990 - 08.1991
- Financial auditor of financial statements, documents, data, and accounting entries.
Accountant
Gulf States Utilities (Entergy)
06.1989 - 01.1990
- Performed a variety of accounting duties as assigned.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LASkills
- Bid Coordination
- Data Analysis Understanding
- Price Negotiation
- Resourcefulness
- Client Relations
- Payroll Processing
- Accounting Policy and Control
- Business Operations and Forecasting
- Financial Information Systems
- GAAP Accounting Practices
- Staff Oversight and Leadership
- Produce Financial Statements
- Auditing and Attestation
- Reliability and Integrity Improvement
- Effective and Professional Communication
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Project Management
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Process Optimization
- Process Improvement
- Public Speaking
- Performance Metrics Analysis
- University Level Operations and Structure
- Government Standards
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Operations Management
- Okrs and KPIs
- Client Relationships
- Operational Efficiency
- Coordination of Administrative Activities
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Payroll Administration and Timekeeping
- Operational Analysis
- Oversee Administrative Functions
- Board Oversight
- Process Development and Streamlining
- Results Orientation
- Mentoring
- Reporting
Affiliations
- Toastmasters
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Certification
- CPA - Certified Public Accountant
Timeline
Director of Purchasing
Ascension Parish Government
07.2022 - Current
Assistant Vice President for Finance & Administration
Louisiana State University System (LSU)
01.2014 - 06.2022
Audit Manager | Retirement Benefits Administrator
Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL)
09.2009 - 12.2013
Comptroller | Auditor-in-Charge | Auditor
Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA)
09.1994 - 09.2009
Secretary-Treasurer
United Steel Company, Inc.
08.1991 - 09.1994
Staff Auditor
Hannis T. Bourgeois, CPAs
01.1990 - 08.1991
Accountant
Gulf States Utilities (Entergy)
06.1989 - 01.1990
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Louisiana State University
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