Accounting Technician

About the role

Join a team that protects the integrity of USC equipment records across University Park, Health Sciences, and off-campus locations. This role combines field-based equipment inspection and inventory work with accounting, reconciliation, reporting, and customer service responsibilities.

About USC And The Team

Capitalizing on more than 140 years of history and tradition in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) is looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help shape the future of higher education. The USC Finance Division - Financial Services is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Accounting Technician to join its Equipment Management team. Equipment Management is responsible for tracking university equipment and maintaining complete, accurate inventory records.

Responsibilities

• Inspect equipment for completeness; tag equipment; and record serial numbers, model numbers, locations, and other identifying information.
• Maintain computerized inventory records for university equipment, including accurate and current records and backup documentation for federally and state-owned equipment.
• Conduct periodic physical inventories of recorded equipment, verify records, and assist with implementation of university equipment inventory procedures.
• Set up and maintain accounts, ledgers, journals, files, blanket requisitions, reports, and other documentation for departmental or university accounts; assist with month-end and year-end closings, as needed.
• Prepare and submit accounting documents for processing, determine appropriate fund allocations, and secure required approvals.
• Enter data from source documents into accounting systems; review source data for completeness and accuracy; ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations and restrictions; and return incomplete or inaccurate documentation, as appropriate.
• Record, balance, and reconcile account activity; identify potential issues; research supporting information; produce and distribute reports; verify report accuracy; and maintain documentation for audit purposes.
• Monitor outstanding or suspense items; research documentation; and follow up to clear or adjust items.
• Perform specialized accounting duties as assigned, which may include monitoring receivables, collecting past-due accounts, controlling cash or negotiable items, and monitoring related inventory procedures.
• Record and reconcile income and expenses; monitor actual performance against budget; and prepare related reports.
• Approve and process budget amendments, account charges, expense transfers, closing entries, and reports.
• Provide information and technical support and resolve issues related to financial transactions for faculty, staff, students, researchers, and external contacts.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned or requested to support operations.

Work Schedule And Position Requirements

The anticipated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work schedules may change to accommodate business needs. The role includes fieldwork and is not exclusively desk-based. It requires sustained periods of walking and the ability to climb stairs while tagging equipment and conducting physical inventories. An active, valid, unrestricted California driver license is required in accordance with USC's Driver Vehicle Safety Policy. The employee must own or have access to a personal vehicle for travel to off-campus locations where USC tram service may not be available.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of relevant experience.
• University accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to provide excellent service to internal and external university customers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree.
• Combined experience and education may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
• One year of related bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting practices and principles.
• Ability to use a variety of bookkeeping and accounting software applications, including databases and spreadsheets, as required.
• Active, valid, unrestricted California driver license in accordance with USC's Driver Vehicle Safety Policy, plus ownership of or access to a personal vehicle for required off-campus travel.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $26.50 to $28.00. 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 and training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market and organizational considerations.