Accountant I

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,778 - 59,502; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Los Angeles is seeking an Accountant I for their Sponsored Projects Accounting team. The role involves preparing, reconciling, and analyzing financial documents while ensuring compliance with accounting principles and sponsor regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and a year of relevant experience, along with proficiency in accounting software like Workday Finance. It offers competitive pay, supporting a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 1-year experience in accounting.
• Experience working with sponsored research awards.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze accounting records and documentation.
• Prepare and submit financial reporting in line with sponsor terms.
• Reconcile and resolve accounting discrepancies.

Skills

Knowledge of sponsored projects accounting

Proficient in Microsoft Office Products

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Workday Finance

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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