Capitalizing on over 140 years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) is looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.
The USC Finance Division, Office of the Comptroller, is seeking a Senior Accountant to join its team.
Candidates considering this role will be joining the USC Office of the Comptroller, a central university office that provides leadership and oversight for institution-wide accounting and financial operations. The Comptroller’s Office plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of USC’s financial records, supporting the university’s academic, research, and operational mission.
Key areas of responsibility within the Office of the Comptroller include accounting policies and procedures, financial reporting, chart of accounts management, gift fund accounting, investment and endowment accounting, plant and trust accounting, tax accounting, financial systems administration, and payroll services.
The Senior Accountant role supports these efforts with a specific focus on fixed asset accounting and capital construction activities, working collaboratively with internal partners across the university.
Position Overview:
The Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting the university’s property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) accounting and reporting processes. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate accounting records related to capital construction projects and plant assets, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and university policies.
On a day-to-day basis, the Senior Accountant monitors and reconciles accounting activity, prepares schedules and reports, assists with month-end and year-end close activities, and collaborates closely with the Capital Construction Department and other internal stakeholders. The role ensures that capital assets are properly capitalized, placed into service, and reflected accurately in the university’s financial statements.
In addition, the Senior Accountant supports audit activities, identifies discrepancies or process gaps, and contributes to process improvements that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of PP&E-related financial reporting.
The Key Accountabilities:
Maintain and monitor accounting records related to plant, capital construction, or other assigned segments of the university’s financial system, ensuring accuracy and appropriate supporting documentation.
Perform monthly and periodic reconciliations of PP&E-related accounts to the general ledger.
Review financial reports and schedules for accuracy; identify discrepancies and follow up with internal departments to resolve issues.
Prepare, review, and post journal entries in support of month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and university accounting policies related to property, plant, and equipment.
Collaborate closely with the Capital Construction Department and other internal partners regarding capital projects, asset capitalization, and construction-in-progress activity.
Track assets placed into service and ensure timely and accurate capitalization.
Prepare schedules and documentation to support internal and external audit requests.
Assist with ad-hoc accounting analyses, financial reporting requests, and special projects that may be requested by the Office of the Comptroller.
Contribute to ongoing process improvements related to fixed asset accounting, reconciliations, and reporting accuracy.
Compiles and organizes data for use in budget forecasts and development.. Evaluates actual performance to projections and develops conclusions and recommendations addressing variances. Advises and consults with management concerning the accounting and financial implications of existing and projected department activities.
Maintains currency with laws and regulations governing accounting policies and procedures.
Advises on university financial policies and procedures, agency laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm however, work schedules may change at any time to accommodate business needs. This is primarily a hybrid role with two days on-site. The hybrid work arrangement may change at any time to accommodate business needs.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree.
Three or more years’ experience in an accountant role.
Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles including fund accounting.
Preferred Requirements
Master’s degree
Five years’ experience in an accountant role.
Progressively responsible experience as an accountant with knowledge of university financial systems and knowledge of computers and financial applications.
In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.
Employee Benefits
USC offers a wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families.
This support advocates work-life balance and employee well-being. USC employees are connected by the traditions and history that make us proud to be Trojans, and the work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all its members. Join us!
The hourly rate range for this position is $41.25 to $48.72. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.
About USC Finance Division:
USC Finance Division is a group of innovative and talented professionals who provide high quality services in support of education and research at USC. The Finance Division is comprised of the following departments: Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Financial and Business Services, Office of the Comptroller; Office of Budget and Planning, Treasury, and Health Plans; Facilities Planning and Management, Audit Services, Risk Management, and Information Technology Services.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
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.
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