Accounting Specialist

University of Southern Mississippi • Hattiesburg, MS

489d

About The Position

The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking an Accounting Specialist to join the Office of the Controller. This full-time position is based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and is responsible for providing comprehensive accounting support across various areas within the Controller's Office. The Accounting Specialist will play a crucial role in analyzing detailed accounting activities to reconcile major operating bank accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial reporting. This position also involves assisting with tax review processes, including the coordination of university tax compliance and reporting obligations, which are essential for maintaining the institution's financial integrity. In this role, the Accounting Specialist will be tasked with reconciling bank statements to book balances, which includes running reconciliation processes and queries in SOARFIN, SOAR, and ClientLine. The specialist will track credit card transactions, deposits, and disbursements, and will follow up with various departments to resolve discrepancies and answer questions. Additionally, the specialist may prepare journal entries as a result of the reconciliation process, ensuring that all financial records are accurate and up-to-date. The position also requires compiling various tax spreadsheets related to taxable fringe benefits, sales tax, unrelated business income tax, and international tax. The Accounting Specialist will work closely with the Senior Tax Accountant to update the university's internal control plan and tax policies, as well as manage the International Tax Navigator through the Foreign National Information System and other processes. Furthermore, the specialist will review Personal Service Agreements and Independent Contractor Forms to ensure that all documentation is accurate and sufficient prior to approval. The Accounting Specialist will perform various reconciliations and month-end and fiscal year-end accounting duties as directed by the Associate Controller. This role is integral to the effectiveness of the Controller's Office, and the specialist will assist with other necessary accounting functions, projects, and assignments as assigned by office management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in accounting, particularly in governmental accounting and tax-related experience, and will demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.