Financial Coordinator, Center for Ocean Enterprise

Financial Coordinator, Center for Ocean Enterprise

Financial Coordinator, Center for Ocean Enterprise

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Financial Coordinator, Center for Ocean Enterprise.

Location Marine Research Center
1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division Ocean Enterprise

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Salary Range 43,888.

Pay Grade
E08

Posting Close Date September 12, 2026

Must be able to obtain a TWIC. 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).

The Financial Coordinator manages the financial administration of grants and designated project funds for the Centerfor Ocean Enterprise (COE) to ensure sound fiscal management and compliance with sponsor and University requirements. The position monitors budgets,payroll projections, time and effort reporting, and compensatory time tracking;reconciles grant and designated account expenditures; and supports pre- andpost-award grant administration. Working closely with COE research staff,principal investigators, and the Executive Director, the position assists withproposal budget development, indirect cost recovery, financial reporting,purchasing, and travel coordination.

• Manages the financial administration of assigned grants, contracts, and designated accounts by developing and monitoring project budgets, forecasting expenditures, tracking payroll projections, reconciling financial transactions, and preparing financial analyses to ensure compliance with sponsor and University requirements. Works closely with the Executive Director to identify budgetary issues and support long-term financial planning for sponsored projects.
• Administers pre-award and post-award grant activities by assisting with proposal budget development, budget revisions, indirect cost calculations, award setup, financial reporting, and ongoing grant management. Supports principal investigators and research staff throughout the lifecycle of sponsored projects to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and sponsor requirements.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University financial requirements by monitoring grant expenditures, reviewing financial activity for allowability and accuracy, managing indirect cost distributions, maintaining required documentation, and applying Uniform Guidance and other applicable grant regulations to assigned awards.
• Coordinates financial and administrative support for research programs and projects by processing payroll-related forms, monitoring time and effort reporting and compensatory time, coordinating purchasing activities, travel arrangements, reimbursements, and other business transactions necessary to support project operations.
• Serves as the primary financial liaison for assigned projects by communicating with principal investigators, research staff, the Office of Research Administration, University business offices, and external sponsors regarding budget development, financial reporting, grant administration, and compliance matters. Provides guidance and recommendations to facilitate effective fiscal management of sponsored projects
• Maintains financial records and project documentation while supporting operational effectiveness by preparing reports, monitoring project deadlines, maintaining grant-related records and data, identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, and performing other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or aclosely related field, and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, grantadministration, sponsored research administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Advanced education may be substituted…