- 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 Manager of Accounting, and reports to Assistant Vice President for Financial Services. This position has broad discretion for independent technical judgment in work responsibilities. Assists with the preparation of State appropriation budgets, ad hoc analyses and reports, and schedules and footnotes for the Annual Financial Report. Responsible for initial and ongoing 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
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 support staff 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. Additionally, this position is responsible for reviewing the monthly TINS holds for vendors. Monitors Accounts Payable email and receives invoices from vendors via mail, email, or electronic submission. Reviews each invoice for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with university policies. Verifies that invoices include correct purchase order (PO) numbers, vendor information, and payment terms. Confirms that goods and services have been received and accepted before initiating payment. Matches invoices to corresponding purchase orders and receiving documents (three-way match). Ensures correct use of fund, and organization, and program codes for accurate financial reporting. Identifies and investigates discrepancies between invoices, purchase orders, and receipts. Communicates with departments and vendors to correct pricing errors, missing documentation, or duplicate invoices. Coordinates with Purchasing and Contract Management to resolve contractual billing issues. 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, and records retention. Assists campus departments with account reconciliations, transaction questions, reporting, and other accounting matters. Performs other duties as assigned. Ability to cross train in accounting roles and may serve as backup for grant accounting, asset management accounting, or other accounting functions as needed. Serves as backup property manager. Attends professional development trainings, workshops, or seminars in order to stay informed on current best practices, policies, and federal and state laws and regulations. Attends and participates in various meetings and committees and task force groups as requested.
- Physical Condition
Typical work environment is an office, working at a desk for long periods of time. Regular computer keyboard, mouse and monitor use. Repetitive arm, hand, finger motions. Long or irregular house related to the Annual Financial Report or special projects.
- Experience
Requires at least 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 or related field is preferred.
- Additional Requirements
Ability to work accurately with numerical detail, to perform accounting operations in an organized manner and analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data in clear and concise form. Ability to use computer to develop spreadsheets. Must have the ability to quickly learn the statewide accounting and reporting systems. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with financial regulations and internal controls is a plus.
- 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 12-02-2025