Accounting Technician

University of Southern California; California (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California (USC) is seeking an Accounting Technician in Los Angeles, CA. The role combines field-based equipment inspection with robust accounting, reconciliation, reporting, and customer service responsibilities.

You will inspect equipment, maintain inventory records, perform month-end closings, and support various accounting processes across campus locations. Strong Excel and accounting system experience are preferred, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of related bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to use bookkeeping software and databases.

Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment for completeness; tag equipment; record serial numbers and locations.
• Maintain computerized inventory records with backup documentation.
• Conduct periodic physical inventories and verify records.
• Set up and maintain accounts, ledgers, and reports; assist with closings.
• Prepare and submit accounting documents; determine fund allocations.
• Enter data into accounting systems; ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Record, balance, and reconcile account activity; produce reports for audits.
• Monitor outstanding items; follow up to clear items.
• Perform specialized accounting duties as assigned; monitor receivables and cash.
• Record income/expenses; monitor budget vs. actual; prepare related reports.
• Approve and process budget amendments and transfers; maintain documentation.
• Provide information and support on financial transactions.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Customer service

Communication

Data entry

Accounting software

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Accounting software

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

Accounting Technician

Los Angeles, CA

Category: Technician

Helpful Information for Applicants

External Applicants

Internal Applicants (Current USC Employees)

Join a team that protects the integrity of USC equipment records across University Park, Health Sciences, and off‑campus locations. This role combines field‑based equipment inspection and inventory work with accounting, reconciliation, reporting, and customer service responsibilities.

About USC and the Team

Capitalizing on more than 140 years of history and tradition in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) is looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help shape the future of higher education.

The USC Finance Division - Financial Services is seeking a detail‑oriented and experienced Accounting Technician to join its Equipment Management team. Equipment Management is responsible for tracking university equipment and maintaining complete, accurate inventory records.

The Work You Will Do

The Accounting Technician inspects and records newly acquired equipment at University Park, Health Sciences, and off‑campus locations. The position also performs a variety of accounting duties, including processing, reconciling, monitoring, and reporting accounting activity for a financial services accounting unit. The role helps ensure the integrity of inventory data maintained in the university financial system and works with faculty, staff, students, researchers, and external contacts at all reporting levels.

• Inspect equipment for completeness; tag equipment; and record serial numbers, model numbers, locations, and other identifying information.
• Maintain computerized inventory records for university equipment, including accurate and current records and backup documentation for federally and state‑owned equipment.
• Conduct periodic physical inventories of recorded equipment, verify records, and assist with implementation of university equipment inventory procedures.
• Set up and maintain accounts, ledgers, journals, files, blanket requisitions, reports, and other documentation for departmental or university accounts; assist with month‑end and year‑end closings, as needed.
• Prepare and submit accounting documents for processing, determine appropriate fund allocations, and secure required approvals.
• Enter data from source documents into accounting systems; review source data for completeness and accuracy; ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations and restrictions; and return incomplete or inaccurate documentation, as appropriate.
• Record, balance, and reconcile account activity; identify potential issues; research supporting information; produce and distribute reports; verify report accuracy; and maintain documentation for audit purposes.
• Monitor outstanding or suspense items; research documentation; and follow up to clear or adjust items.
• Perform specialized accounting duties as assigned, which may include monitoring receivables, collecting past‑due accounts, controlling cash or negotiable items, and monitoring related inventory procedures.
• Record and reconcile income and expenses; monitor actual performance against budget; and prepare related reports.
• Approve and process budget amendments, account charges, expense transfers, closing entries, and reports.
• Provide information and technical support and resolve issues related to financial transactions for faculty, staff, students, researchers, and external contacts.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned or requested to support operations. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Work Schedule and Position Requirements

• The anticipated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work schedules may change to accommodate business needs.
• The role includes fieldwork and is not exclusively desk-based. It requires sustained periods of walking and the ability to climb stairs while tagging equipment and conducting physical inventories.
• An active, valid, unrestricted California driver license is required in accordance with USC's Driver Vehicle Safety Policy.
• The employee must own or have access to a personal vehicle for travel to off‑campus locations where USC tram service may not be available.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Two years of relevant experience.
• University accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to provide excellent service to internal and external university customers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree.
• Combined experience and education may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
• One year of related bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting practices and principles.
• Ability to use a variety of bookkeeping and accounting software applications, including databases and spreadsheets, as required.
• Active, valid, unrestricted California driver license in accordance with USC's Driver Vehicle Safety Policy, plus ownership of or access to a personal vehicle for required off‑campus travel.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $26.50 to $28.00. 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 and training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market and organization considerations.

Why Join USC Financial Services?

USC Financial Services values accountability, teamwork, open communication, integrity, and opportunities for growth and professional development.

Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Related bookkeeping/accounting experience. Knowledge of bookkeeping/accounting practices and principles. Ability to use a variety of bookkeeping/accounting software applications such as databases, spreadsheets, etc, as required.