Accountant I

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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

The Administrative Operations Business Services team provides financial management, procurement, and transaction processing services for a diverse set of departments critical to USC's campus operations. The team partners with the Office of the Senior Vice President of Administration, the Department of Public Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, Fire Safety & Emergency Planning, and the Office of Sustainability.  

Team members maintain close relationships with a wide range of staff to ensure proper controls, policies, and procedures are in place to support effective financial stewardship. Our goal is to effectively manage department financial activity so operations staff can focus on providing a safe and respectful campus environment.  

If you are a process-oriented problem solver, an analytical thinker, and can thrive in a service-oriented work culture, this opportunity is for you! 

JOB SUMMARY 

Applies the principles of accounting to review, prepare, reconcile and analyze accounting records and documentation and financial reports. Assists in the development of financial projections and forecasts.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITES  

  • Monitors, reviews, and verifies accounting records and transactions for accuracy, timeliness, and adequacy of supporting documentation. Assist with month-end and year-end closings. Ensures compliance with internal policies, agency rules and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.  
  • Determines current financial balances to produce schedules, summary reports, trial balances, income statements, and/or other accounting and financial documents in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Reviews and analyzes reports for accuracy prior to distribution. 
  • Identifies problems and interacts with internal and/or external candidates, as required, to correct deficiencies and/or discrepancies. Rejects and returns documentation as appropriate. 
  • Reconciles accounts to the university financial system. Research and resolves problems and adjust accordingly. Ensures supporting documentation exists for audit purposes.
  • Serves as a resource for funding agencies and/or other organizations to provide requested or required financial information and reports. Clarifies or research issues as necessary.
  • Assists in developing and maintaining automated systems and procedures. Provides input for the development of accounting applications, reports, forms, records and documented procedures.
  • Advise on university financial policies and procedures, agency laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Maintains currency with laws and regulations governing accounting policies and procedures.
  • In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” in accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's Degree 
  • 1 year of experience in accounting 
  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including government and fund accounting. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's Degree with related undergraduate study  
  • 3-5+ years of directly related work experience in financial operations 
  • Familiarity with Workday Financial and Workday Human Capital Management 
  • Strong computer skills, including automated spreadsheets. 

The hourly rate range for this position is $36.76 - $40.00 per hour. 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 alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. 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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu.  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. 

Benefits

  • USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:
    • Tuition assistance for you and your family
    • Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options
    • 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC
    • 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes
    • Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway


Minimum Qualifications  Bachelor's Degree  1 year of experience in accounting  Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including government and fund accounting.  Preferred Qualifications  Bachelor's Degree with related undergraduate study   3-5+ years of directly related work experience in financial operations  Familiarity with Workday Financial and Workday Human Capital Management  Strong computer skills, including automated spreadsheets.
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