Accounting Specialist
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Accounting Specialist.
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 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 and university in accounting or other related field; and one (1) to three (3) years of experience in governmental accounting, higher education, accounting, business and/or tax related experience; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Extensive experience and skills with all Microsoft Office programs and or applications and query tools will be needed.
- Exceptional analytical skills are imperative in accurately processing and reviewing account and tax 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.Extensive knowledge of Excel is a must.
- 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
A strong skillset 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.










