Senior Accountant for Financial Compliance and Asset Management

University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS

Full-time - Mid Level

Hattiesburg, MS

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Accountant for Financial Compliance and Asset Management at the University of Southern Mississippi plays a vital role in ensuring the financial operations of the university comply with governmental standards and regulations. This position focuses on managing capital assets, disaster-related expenditures, and implementing new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements. The Senior Accountant collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to maximize eligible reimbursements and conducts reviews of financial transactions to support accurate financial reporting and transparency.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive monthly reviews of general ledger transactions to ensure compliance with GASB accounting standards.
• Monitor updates to GASB regulations and implement required changes impacting financial reporting processes.
• Prepare detailed reports on the financial impact of GASB standards for leadership review.
• Serve as the University's Applicant Agent with MEMA and coordinate efforts with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
• Oversee documentation, tracking, and financial reporting of disaster-related expenditures to ensure compliance with FEMA guidelines.
• Record capital asset transactions and maintain accurate capital asset records, providing updates to senior management.
• Lead the annual review of University Service Centers, analyzing service center rates for compliance with federal cost principles.
• Perform in-depth reviews of additional compensation items, assessing taxability and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
• Prepare and process journal entries and perform account reconciliations as directed by the University Controller.
• Assist in month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy of financial statements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in accounting or related field from an accredited institution.
• 5-7 years of experience in governmental accounting, higher education, or tax accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience with accounting software, Excel, and query tools.
• Exceptional analytical skills for processing and reviewing accounting data.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret GAAP and GASB standards and work independently.

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $65,000.00 - $75,000.00
• Full-time employment status with potential for career advancement.
• Engagement in a community-focused educational environment.