Contracts & Grants Accountant The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Contracts & Grants Accountant. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division VP Research Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Salary Range 46,842.00 - 46,842.00 Pay Grade E08 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Job Summary The Contracts & Grants Accountant prepares invoices and financial reports for external funding agencies, reviews and approves expenditures related to sponsored projects, resolves errors, responds to inquiries from researchers and sponsors, and assists with external and internal auditing of sponsored projects. The Accountant provides quality and timely services and engages with internal and external constituents (e.g., faculty, staff, deans, sponsors, subawardees, auditors) while ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policy for an R1 university with approximately $100M annual external funding. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + Reviews/audits and approves all department submitted University expenditure forms related to external funding, including but not limited to travel forms, remittance vouchers, interdepartmental invoices, and PAF’s, to ensure cost allowability, sufficient funds, appropriate dates, proper signatures, applicability, and reasonableness. Communicates with project directors and support staff concerning inquiries. + Resolves all grant budget checking errors that include weekly accounts payable, bi-weekly and monthly payroll errors, auxiliary transactions and p-card transactions. This involves communication with project directors, support staff, and the Controller’s Office for resolution. Prepares journal entries for necessary adjustments to funded projects. + Prepares invoices and financial reports required by external funding agencies. Ensures the University can properly document any cost sharing (matching) requirements and reports the match to the funding agencies. This task involves reviewing and interpreting various regulations such as the Uniform Guidance (UG), federal, state, and funding agency specific guidelines. This task also requires researching, obtaining, and copying official University financial records to satisfy agency documentation requirements. + Reviews and interprets award documents to understand financial requirements of the funding agency. Ensures proper documentation of expenses and cost sharing requirements. Understands and interprets various regulations such as 2 CFR 200 and other federal requirements, as well as state and funding agency guidelines, which may vary from project to project. Provides detailed information to auditors as requested. + Communicates with and provides training to project directors, support staff, and subcontractor financial staff concerning financial reporting and audit inquiries. Works with other ORA staff to resolve problems and concerns. + Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field from an accredited college or university or 4 years of experience in accounting, finance, or research with 1 year of experience in a university research administration setting or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Knowledge of accounting, budgetary, and management principles, practices, terminology, and procedures. + Advanced skill in using Excel. Ability to use other standard office software such as Word and Outlook. + Superior ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with people from a wide variety of educational and occupational backgrounds, with the ability to convey complex information, especially financial. + Ability to successfully meet deadlines while performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and copes well in stressful environment. + Possesses critical thinking skills to understand and act upon complex issues and regulations. + Attention to accuracy and detail while providing quality and timely support to constituents. + Proactively and independently takes initiative to solve a problem or improve a process. + Functions well in a team environment by contributing knowledge and by encouraging and supporting other team members. + Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to understand, convey, and advise on complex regulations, policies, and procedures. + Ability to learn and use university and sponsor technology for preparing and submitting financial reports, and ability to adapt to the changing technology environment. + Travel is sometimes required, both day trips and overnight trips. Preferred Qualifications Experience with restricted fund and government accounting practices Experience in a university, nonprofit, or government setting. 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. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.