Accountant I

About the role

Under general supervision, the Accountant I performs professional‑level accounting work applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and established University policies and procedures to review, prepare, reconcile, and analyze financial records and documentation. This role is responsible for routine to moderately complex accounting assignments, including daily and monthly bank and general ledger reconciliations within the University financial system; preparing routine journal entries and bank adjustments; supporting compliance with unclaimed property (escheatment) requirements; and maintaining accurate and audit‑ready documentation in accordance with established standards. The Accountant I: Reconciles operating bank and related general ledger accounts by reviewing transactions, resolving discrepancies, preparing adjustments, and ensuring accurate, timely, and audit‑ready documentation in accordance with GAAP, internal controls, and University policies. Determines current financial balances to prepare routine schedules and summary reports using prescribed formats, and reviews outputs for accuracy prior to distribution. Supports unclaimed property (escheatment) processes, including identifying, tracking, and reconciling uncashed checks and outstanding credit balances in accordance with regulatory requirements. Provides customer service support by responding to phone and email inquiries from payees, students, vendors, and other customers regarding uncashed checks, credit balances, and related operating bank account activity; researches accounting records and provides clear explanations of findings and next steps. Assists in maintaining accounting systems, reports, and documented procedures by providing input and support, consistent with assigned responsibilities. Advises on university financial policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Maintains up-to-date knowledge of laws and regulations governing accounting policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance. Preferred Requirements: Bachelor's degree in accounting and 2+ years of professional accounting field experience. Experience with university or large‑enterprise financial systems (e.g., Workday). Intermediate Excel skills (e.g., lookup formulas, basic PivotTables). Demonstrate professional, courteous, and efficient customer service related to financial inquiries. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree and 1 year of professional accounting field experience. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles including fund accounting. Demonstrated proficiency with the use of computing technology for accounting, reconciliation, and reporting purposes. The hourly rate range for this position is $36.76 - $38.44 per hour. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. Job Profile Summary Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles including fund accounting USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you a