Accounting Specialist Job at University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Accounting Specialist.

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: 43,888.00 - 45,000.00.

Pay Grade: E09.

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Accounting Specialist provides accounting support across various functions within the Controller’s Office. This role is primarily responsible for analyzing detailed financial activity and reconciling major operating bank accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reconcile bank statements with book balances using SOARFIN, SOAR, and ClientLine. Monitor credit card transactions, deposits, and disbursements. Investigate discrepancies with relevant departments and prepare journal entries as needed.
• Track and manage faculty and staff participation in software training sessions. Submit and confirm completion of training before initiating access requests to financial, student, and human resource systems.
• Process change requests in financial software systems, including updates to account coding, grants/non-grants, payroll configurations, and user access permissions.
• Responsible for daily pick-up and delivery of office mail.
• Perform various reconciliation and accounting tasks during month-end and fiscal year-end close processes, as directed by the Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager.
• Assist with a variety of accounting functions, projects, and special assignments that support the goals and operations of the Controller’s Office. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or a related field; one (1) to three (3) years of experience in governmental accounting, higher‑education, accounting, business and/or tax‑related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive experience and skills with all Microsoft Office programs and query tools.
• Exceptional analytical skills are imperative in accurately processing and reviewing account and tax data.
• 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 work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files and reports including Excel spreadsheets and Word documents; extensive knowledge of Excel is a must.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently problem‑solve, including defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions; interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong skill set with written and oral communication and experience in governmental accounting for higher education and/or tax accounting.

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.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.