Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge – SUAREC – Finance and Administration Departme

SUAREC | Accounting Specialist | Position Type:
Unclassified Full-Time | Salary Range: $55,000 – $70,000 | Final date to receive applications:
May 11, 2026

The Accounting Specialist is a 12-month full-time position responsible for performing a variety of duties involved in the financial administration of externally funded grants and cooperative agreements. This position supports billing, budget modifications, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements, including the preparation and submission of internal and external financial reports, month‑end and fiscal year‑end requirements. This role ensures accurate and timely grant accounting while coordinating with project directors, departments, and sponsoring agencies.

• Prepare, process, and track billing invoices and revenue for grant‑funded projects
• Monitor grant expenditures for accuracy, allowability, and compliance
• Assist in developing and revising grant budgets and modifications as required
• Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare and submit federal and state financial reports
• Maintain reporting schedules to ensure timely submissions to funding agencies
• Support audit readiness by maintaining accurate, accessible financial records

• Ensure compliance with agency‑ and university‑specific grant regulations
• Coordinate with principal investigators (PIs), program managers, and other departments to ensure financial alignment with project goals
• Guide allowable costs and assist with budget modifications

• Maintain electronic and physical records of grant transactions, reports, and communications
• Implement internal controls to safeguard funds and ensure financial transparency
• Support closed‑out procedures, fiscal year‑end tasks, and final reporting
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state guidelines, including BANNER

Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration with 24+ hours in Accounting
• 2+ years of independent work in accounting, finance, budget operations, grants, or sponsored programs, with work experience in a professional work environment
• Working knowledge and experience with sponsored program accounting and federal/state grant requirements
• Experience in higher education, agricultural research, or cooperative extension
• Functional knowledge working with USDA, NSF, and NIH

Ability to sit for 6-8 hours per day, use a keyboard and mouse, and view computer screens for 6-8 hours per day. Perform typing, clicking, and writing. Basic hand‑eye coordination. Occasionally lift and carry light items of 10-15 pounds. Read the text, hear it, and respond.

Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment application. Current Southern University employees should apply here.

• A cover letter detailing experience and alignment with the role
• A curriculum vitae or resume highlighting expertise and accomplishments
• Three (3) professional letters of recommendation

Criminal background check and reference verification are required.

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions made concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.