Sr. Program Assistant

Job no: 510588

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 450201 - Sponsored Program Accounting

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Support Staff

Position Open Date: May 8 2026

Position Function: Provide senior support to accounting functions within the Sponsored Programs Accounting section of the Controller and Treasurer’s Office.

Sponsored Programs Accounting is primarily responsible for managing the restricted funds of Mississippi State University. This includes calculating and posting overhead, invoicing the appropriate agencies, monitoring timely receipt of the funds, and preparing financial reports for external agencies. Additionally, our office coordinates the time and effort reporting cycle, processes cost transfers, performs non-sufficient fund checking on restricted funds and continuously monitors accounts for compliance purposes.

It is our goal to provide friendly, efficient service to all users of the sponsored programs accounting system.

• Assist with necessary paperwork to process subawards in our system and review subaward invoices to ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of the award.
• Process a high volume of Accounts Receivables to include checks and wire transfers.
• Complete appropriate forms and journal entries for review and posting to the General Ledger.
• Prepare invoices, financial reports, and agency forms on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis per the terms and conditions of the award. Reports are submitted to the Senior Accountant for review and then submitted to the sponsoring agency.
• Processor for payment requests, financials, and other documentation.
• Facilitate the Time & Effort Reporting process.
• Scan and index documentation to the electronic database.
• Prepare and/or key journal entries as needed.
• Handle all purchases for the department and maintain the budget.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

High school diploma and 2 years of experience.

• Previous experience is desirable.

• Strong computer skills to include Excel and Adobe.
• Experience in work settings requiring high volume assignments.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet multiple daily deadlines.
• Knowledge of federal contracting regulations and accounting experience is needed.
• Well-developed interpersonal, teamwork, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment with attention to detail.

• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, .

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:  or adatate.edu . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at  or adatate.edu

. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.