FWS Student Assistant

University of South Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of South Florida in Tampa is seeking a student employee to support accounting and budget processes with a focus on accuracy and confidentiality. The role is 15-20 hours per week and follows a weekday schedule, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., around class commitments.

Responsibilities include monitoring budget exceptions, maintaining spreadsheets, and assisting with training guides; preferred candidates will have strong Excel and Power BI skills and be pursuing a business major.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled at USF as a degree‑seeking student with a Federal Work Study award.
• FWS award required for 2026-2027 to be considered for this position.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.

Responsibilities

• Help prevent and clear budget exceptions related to fringe benefits and overhead.
• Monitor auxiliary fund balances and determine remedies with accountable officers.
• Assist with accounting tasks and maintain financial spreadsheets and models.
• Update training guides and tutorials.
• Help improve budget processes by identifying streamlining actions and validating reports.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independence

Initiative

Teamwork

Education

Federal Work Study award

Accounting/Finance/Economics/Statistics/Business major

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Job Description

This job requires the student to possess a strong mindfulness for accuracy, the ability to work independently, be initiative-taking, and work as part of a team. A professional work demeanor and the ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information is particularly important.

Average Number of Hours per Week

15-20 hours per week

Schedule

Flexible around class schedule, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on the Tampa Campus.

Responsibilities

Primary duties will include but are not limited to:

• Help prevent and clear budget exceptions associated with fringe benefits, interest, and administrative overhead postings.
• Monitoring of auxiliary fund balances with negative fund balances to isolate causes and to determine remedies with accountable officers.
• Assisting with accounting and financial functions such as creating and maintaining financial spreadsheets and models.
• Updating and enhancing current training guides and tutorials.
• Assist with improving current budget processes by identifying possible streamlining actions and helping to develop validation reports.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled at the University of South Florida as a degree‑seeking student with a Federal Work Study (FWS) award for the current academic year.

Applicant must have a current Federal Work Study (FWS) award for 2026-2027 to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Power BI data tools.
• Degree-seeking student, in good standing with the University of South Florida, with an Accounting, Finance, Economics, Statistics or Business Major.
• Ability to demonstrate work experience with Excel spreadsheets and/or Power BI dashboards.

About Us

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.