Senior Accountant for Financial Compliance and Asset Management

Senior Accountant for Financial Compliance and Asset Management

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Senior Accountant for Financial Compliance and Asset Management.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Office of the Controller

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 65,000.00 – 75,000.00

Pay Grade

E13

Posting Close Date 10/16/24

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant for Financial Compliance and Asset Management plays a critical role in ensuring the University’s financial operations align with evolving governmental standards and regulatory requirements. This position provides comprehensive accounting support, specializing in the management of capital assets, disaster-related expenditures, and the interpretation and implementation of new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external agencies, this position also serves as a key point of contact for disaster recovery financial documentation and compliance, ensuring the University maximizes eligible reimbursements through MEMA and FEMA. Additionally, the Senior Accountant conducts periodic reviews of financial transactions, service center rates, and taxability of compensation items, contributing to the accurate and timely financial reporting that supports the University’s fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Conducts comprehensive monthly reviews of general ledger transactions to ensure compliance with various GASB accounting standards. Proactively monitors updates and changes to GASB regulations, working with internal departments to assess and implement required changes that impact the University’s financial reporting processes. Prepares detailed reports on the financial impact of these standards for leadership review.

Serves as the Universitys Applicant Agent with MEMA, assists coordination of efforts with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the University’s Physical Plant across all campuses. Oversees the accurate documentation, tracking, and financial reporting of disaster-related expenditures to ensure full compliance with FEMA guidelines and to maximize reimbursement opportunities for the University.

Oversees and records capital asset transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and institutional policies. Reviews asset acquisitions, transfers, disposals, and depreciation schedules to maintain accurate capital asset records and provides updates to senior management on the University’s asset portfolio.

Leads the annual review of all University Service Centers, analyzing service center rates for reasonability and ensuring compliance with federal cost principles. Works with department heads to adjust rates as needed, ensuring the financial sustainability of service centers while adhering to internal and external audit requirements.

Performs in-depth reviews of additional compensation items on a monthly basis, assessing taxability and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and institutional policies. Collaborates with Human Resources and Payroll to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate compensation reporting.

Prepares and processes journal entries and performs thorough account reconciliations on a monthly basis as directed by the University Controller. Plays a key role in month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the University’s financial statements. Assists in the preparation of financial reports, including schedules for audits, management, and the Board of Trustees.

Performs other critical duties as assigned by the University Controller, contributing to the broader goals of financial transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance across the University.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in accounting or other related field from an accredited college and university and 5-7 years of experience in governmental accounting, higher education, accounting, business, or tax accounting OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Extensive experience and skills with accounting software, Excel, and query tools will be needed.

Exceptional analytical skills are imperative in accurately processing and reviewing accounting data to be successful in this position.

Possess excellent interpersonal communication skills, personal integrity and meticulous attention to detail.

Ability to interpret and recognize accurate versus inaccurate data as required by GAAP and GASB; and ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required of this position.

Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files and reports including Excel spreadsheets and Word documents.

The ability to effectively and efficiently problem solve including but not limited to the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and applying several abstract and concrete variables.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with FEMA/MEMA guidelines is preferred. CPA is preferred, but not required.

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 nations 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.