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GCRL - Accounting Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of GCRL - Accounting Specialist.

Position Details

Location Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

703 East Beach Drive

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564

United States

Division GCRL Business Office

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 39,816.00 - 46,842.00

Pay Grade

E08

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references with your application.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

This position provides accounting support, maintains and records financial data through process and reporting needs for the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) and all subordinate research departments. This position is responsible for reconciling accounts receivables, GCRL support units, auxiliary services, revenue, administrative, E&G and development funds. This position is responsible for all GCRL month-end and year-end accounting entries to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, in support of University operations. This position processes all deposits for various GCRL education programs through the bank and USM financial systems. The Accounting Specialist is also responsible for various reports, to include independent audits, as required for the Assistant Director, GCRL Finance Administration, The University and for the Institutions of Higher Learning as well as all financial data-entry tasks, as required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Works autonomously & coordinates closely with the Controller’s office as GCRL’s single point of contact for all incoming money from all departments throughout the Research Lab.Maintains the Accounts Receivable Ledger, responsible for receipting and compiling all information to send to Hattiesburg for data entry.Prepares all bank deposits, remote deposits and reconciles statements.Reviews all deposits to determine appropriate method of accounting (USM vs. Foundation).Integrates closely with the Controller’s office on all inbound ACH deposits, to ensure the correct department and account is credited.

+ Responsible for prioritizing and accomplishing all month-end and year-end-close accounting actions for all GCRL units and reporting back to USM central finance.This includes independently preparing, processing and posting all end of month/year closing entries and working with all internal financial departments for month/year-end charges; researches and resolves accounting discrepancies on an as-required basis.Records monthly interest deposits and balances GCRL’s bank statement.Liaises with the University Controller and maintains quarterly reports which include Federal Unemployment Tax as well as the Physical Plant Operation and Maintenance Report.Enters and processes Boat Operations Purchase-card transactions and assists other GCRL research units with Purchase-card transactions and reconciliation, on an as-needed basis.

+ Develops and implements accounting-based, financial solutions for process-improvement, across all GCRL centers and business units.Coordinates closely with the Assistant Director, GCRL Finance Administration, GCRL’s Housing & Conference Services Manager and the Director of Vessel Operations to process and reconcile all internal and external invoices for Housing, Dining and research vessel charters.Conducts independent audits of GCRL accounts and reports findings back to GCRL leadership.

+ Responsible for processing and recording all Inter-Departmental Invoices (II’s) for all research units at GCRL.Works closely with and trains GCRL Financial Coordinators on correct procedures for processing II’s, to include ensuring correct account codes and verifying budget availability.Coordinates with the Office of Research Administration for all approvals on II’s involving Grants.

+ Reviews Personal Service Agreements and Independent Contractor Forms to determine accurate and sufficient documentation, prior to approval.Maintains GCRL’s Fuelman account for all Motor Pool vehicles, to include employee PIN numbers, vehicle gas purchase transactions and communicates any and all updates directly with Fuelman, as needed; de-conflicts and resolves potential fraudulent transactions.

+ Responsible for compiling GCRL’s Basic Internal Control Assessment on an annual basis.One of GCRL’s primary points of contact for informational needs with internal and external customers and maintains the GCRL mailing lists.

+ Assists with other necessary accounting functions, projects and assignments to contribute to the effectiveness of GCRL’s Business Office and performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director, GCRL Finance Administration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Management or other Business-related field of study from an accredited college or university. 2-4 years in business, accounting or tax related experience. Work experience and/or a combination of education/experience may be substituted for education requirements. Strong organization and time management skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

+ Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare and edit reports.

+ Ability to write routine reports and adept in Microsoft Office, as well as utilize

computer based query tools.

+ Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with colleagues.

+ Ability to think critically to analyze and solve problems.

+ Ability to align department services and goals with strategic goals.

+ Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

+ Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communication skills and

possess personal integrity and meticulous attention to detail.

+ Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.

+ Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and accounting applications, with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel.

+ Ability to maintain and perform basic budgetary functions.

+ Knowledge of general accounting principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in higher education with knowledge of all SOAR platforms. Prior experience managing and reconciling state purchase cards, requisitions, and purchase orders. Prior experience with Oracle PeopleSoft Applications.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.