Accountant I

The University of Southern California (USC) department of Sponsored Projects Accounting is seeking an exceptional Accountant I to join its team!

About the Opportunity

As a valued member of the Sponsored Projects Accounting team, the Accountant I applies fundamental accounting principles to meticulously review, prepare, reconcile, and analyze accounting records, documentation, billing, and financial reports. This role entails reviewing sponsored agreements and establishing/modifying award records in the Workday Finance system, reconciling customer and general ledger accounts, preparing and/or reviewing manual journal entries, and generating invoices and financial reports.

The Accountant I:

• Analyzes sponsored agreements to ensure understanding of key obligations, terms, and compliance requirements.
• Ensures compliance with internal policies, sponsor rules and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Maintain sponsor award records in the university's financial system by creating, modifying, and closing out transactions.
• Monitors, reviews, and verifies accounting records and expense/budget transactions for accuracy, timeliness and adequacy of supporting documentation.
• Serves as a resource for funding sponsors and/or other organizations or departments to provide requested or required financial information/documentation.
• Prepares and submits financial reporting and/or billing in accordance with sponsor terms and conditions.
• Reconciles, researches, and resolves problems and process adjustments, including Facilities and Administrative cost calculations. Ensures supporting documentation exists for record retention.
• Identifies problems and interacts with internal and/or external contacts to correct deficiencies and/or discrepancies.
• Assists in developing, documenting, and maintaining automated processes, reports, and internal procedures.
• Ensures ongoing compliance with university policies and completes all required training in a timely manner.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting and 2+ years of experience.
• Knowledge of sponsored projects accounting.
• Demonstrates experience with both pre-award and post-award grants management.
• Formal training in federal grants management (e.g., Uniform Guidance / 2 CFR 200).
• Prior experience working with major federal sponsors (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE).
• Familiar with electronic submission systems (i.e., SAP/Ariba Supplier System, Bill.com, Coupa Supplier Portal, Sandia Supplier Portal, and Exostar).
• Knowledge of Workday Finance plus a strong knowledge of accounting applications.
• Computer fluency in Microsoft Office Products. Highly advanced level of proficiency with spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel and other accounting software. Ability to learn new technology quickly.
• Experience with and a dedicated commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service and satisfaction; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to effectively work collaboratively within a team and exhibits strong team-player attributes.
• Strong aptitude for comprehending complex processes, coupled with the ability to work independently while excelling in critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Demonstrates keen attention to detail and exhibits exceptional organizational skills.
• Proficient in establishing and upholding confidentiality, integrity, and trust.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience.
• Experience working with sponsored research awards.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles including fund accounting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the use of computing technology and is adept at leveraging digital tools and platforms; functional / technical learning.
• Strong reading comprehension.

The maximum hourly rate range for this position is $36.76. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Job Profile Summary
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles including fund accounting

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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