Accounting Assistant​/Accounting Assistant SR

Overview

Utah State University (USU) is seeking a motivated individual to join the Sponsored Programs Accounting (SPA) team within the Office of Research. SPA plays an important role in supporting the university’s research mission by managing the financial aspects of externally funded awards, including grants and contracts from federal, state, and private sponsors.

As part of the SPA team, the candidate will contribute to the post-award administration of sponsored programs, helping ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, state, and federal regulations. The position involves administering award setups and closeouts, processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, assisting with invoice preparation, and supporting other SPA staff members.

The ideal candidate will have fundamental knowledge of accounting principles, strong communication skills, and a commitment to USU’s research goals and mission. This role provides candidates with a great opportunity to support innovative research and work in a collaborative environment committed to excellence, efficiency, integrity, and professionalism.

This position is hybrid telework eligible. This position is contingent upon funding.

This position is eligible for excellent benefits including: 13 paid holidays, earn 12 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, 50% tuition reduction for employee and spouse, competitive health benefits packages, and a generous contribution into your retirement. View more information here:https://www.usu.edu/hr/files/benefits/.pdf.

• Award set ups
• Journal entries
• Reconciliations
• Bill log maintenance
• Accounts Receivables and collections
• Time and Effort reporting
• Award closeouts
• Understand and apply federal and state regulations
• Identify critical reporting deadlines and applicable terms and conditions
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness in financial reporting and invoice preparation
• Communication with campus community and external sponsors
• Other assignments and duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

This position will be hired at either an Accounting Assistant or Accounting Assistant SR level based upon qualifications and duties assigned:

• For Accounting Assistant:
  • Two years of bookkeeping, accounting, or other related experience; OR an associate's degree
• For Accounting Assistant SR:
  • Four years of relevant experience; OR a bachelor’s degree; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

For Both Levels:

• Excellent computer skills, with emphasis on Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented
• Self-motivated and able to successfully complete work assignments with limited supervision
• Ability to discretely handle confidential information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Banner accounting system
• Experience in higher education accounting
• Familiarity with Uniform Guidance

Minimum $43,000, commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land‑grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges.

Dedicated to providing a high‑quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader…