Accountant I

Position Function:

The position will perform standard accounting functions such as cost analysis, reconciliation, posting, report preparation and budget monitoring. Analyzes financial and operating data and prepares management reports and financial statements and performs financial administrative duties in support of the USDA ARS NACA for Catfish and Other Aquatic Foods. Supports any and all business operations of the department/unit and performs administrative procedures and functions as needed.

Salary Grade:  14

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as the coastal arm of Mississippi State University's Research and Extension Programs. This position is based in Biloxi, MS at the Coastal Research and Extension Center, and will support activities as its affiliated branch stations. CREC faculty and staff have appointments with the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. The Coastal Research and Extension Center is a part of the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine of MSU, the state's Land Grant institution.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

April 2024. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned in positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position.
1. Process and assist with fiscal administration for the department/unit, including but not limited to accounts payable and receivables, budgets, grants, contracts, purchasing, travel, and leave; may assist with fiscal planning, including participating in seeking alternate sources of funding.
2. Constructs routine spreadsheet applications, prepares financial data, and generates reports,
3. Reviews expenditure, personnel, and purchasing documents for availability of funding, mathematical correctness, and compliance with university policy and state and federal funding requirements.
4. Analyzes, reconciles, balances, and maintains accounting records; assists with budget development and special financial reports.
5. Prepares, reviews, and processes budget, revenues, and expenses, including but not limited to procurement cards, purchase orders, journal vouchers, cost and budget transfers, and cash deposits. May serve as back-up for payroll processing.
6. Assists with pre- and post-award grant administration.
7. Process procurement and contracts in accordance with university policies.
8. Assists in development of training materials, presentations, and manuals.
9. Assists with the daily operation of the public facing office of the Coastal R&E Center in Biloxi.
10. Performs miscellaneous accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or other appropriate discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or other appropriate discipline. Procurement and grant administration experience preferred. Two years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards.
Skilled in budget management, procurement and contract state policies, and grant administration
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams.
Ability to develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment,
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
No or very limited physical effort required.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting an application, cover letter, resume, copy of your transcripts, and three professional references. Social security numbers must be redacted from transcripts prior to submission.

Screening Date:

April 2, 2024, until filled. 

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.