Code
0105
PCLS
C3004
Pay Grade
124
Exempt
Yes
ORP
No
EEO Code
3
Title
Accountant III
Description

Performs complex professional accounting work with some administrative responsibility. Work involves supervision of professional and clerical workers preparing, posting, and balancing financial records and/or operating reports. Works under the day-to-day direction of the Director of Financial Reporting and Compliance, and reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Administration and Finance / Controller. This position has broad discretion for independent technical judgment in work responsibilities. Assists with the preparation of annual budgets, ad hoc analyses and reports, and schedules and footnotes for the Annual Financial Report. Responsible for initial training of budget managers on university’s ERP system (Banner), promoting and maintaining an effective internal financial control environment. Maintains Banner electronic approval module routing criteria and coordinates Banner Finance security changes with Information Technology.


Examples

Monitors program and department budgets of assigned grants; determines fund availability and eligibility for grant purchase and hires. Monitors use of funds by deciphering between allowable and non-allowable grant purchases. Ensures accuracy and compliance with grant requirements, university and Texas Tech University System policy and procedures, state, federal regulations and generally accepted accounting principles. Performs grant billing processes and works closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) in establishing, tracking, and reporting external grant activity.


Plans, assigns, and supervises work of technical and clerical workers preparing accounting documents and/or operating reports, posting to permanent controls, and balancing the permanent records. Gives technical assistance to subordinate workers in handling unusual or complex accounting transactions and trains personnel in new procedures or methods. Manages daily Accounts Payable (AP) processes and supervises AP clerical staff. Reviews and approves payment vouchers and prepares budget, journal, payroll, and reimbursement vouchers within the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS).


Provides related evaluations and recommendations to ensure accuracy and compliance within established standards and procedures. Regularly communicates with agencies, auditors, departments, or project directors on matters pertaining to enforcing policies and procedures, budgets, expenditures, allowable costs, travel, staffing time and effort reporting, and records retention. Acts as consultant on accounting matters for administrative, faculty, especially primary investigators (PIs), and staff.


Attends professional development trainings, workshops, or seminars on grants as directed in order to stay informed on current grant management, policies, and federal and state laws and regulations. Attend and participate in various meetings and committees and task force groups as requested. Performs related work as assigned.


Physical Condition
Experience

Requires more than three years responsible experience in accounting and business management with some administrative and supervisory responsibility. Should have considerable background in fund accounting.


Knowledge

Considerable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, office practices, and state laws governing maintenance of accounting records. Ability to supervise, coach and train accounting and clerical personnel, and provide guidance on interpretation and application of accounting theory to difficult or complex transactions.


Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; degree in Accounting is preferred.

Additional Requirements

Strong organizational and communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines. Customer-service focused, favorably representing the university at all times. Ability to relate to complex statewide accounting systems through Statewide Network. Use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.

Standard Requirements

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.

Last Updated 02-13-2024