Accounting Assistant/Accounting Assistant SR

Job Description

Overview

Utah State University (USU) is seeking a motivated individual to join the Sponsored Programs Accounting (SPA) team within the Office of Research. SPA plays an important role in supporting the university's research mission by managing the financial aspects of externally funded awards, including grants and contracts from federal, state, and private sponsors.

As part of the SPA team, the candidate will contribute to the post-award administration of sponsored programs, helping ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, state, and federal regulations. The position involves administering award setups and closeouts, processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, assisting with invoice preparation, and supporting other SPA staff members.

The ideal candidate will have fundamental knowledge of accounting principles, strong communication skills, and a commitment to USU's research goals and mission. This role provides candidates with a great opportunity to support innovative research and work in a collaborative environment committed to excellence, efficiency, integrity, and professionalism.

This position is hybrid telework eligible. This position is contingent upon funding.

This position is eligible for excellent benefits including: 13 paid holidays, earn 12 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, 50% tuition reduction for employee and spouse, competitive health benefits packages, and a generous contribution into your retirement. View more information here: https://www.usu.edu/hr/files/benefits/Benefits_Summary.pdf.

Responsibilities

Award set ups

Journal entries

Reconciliations

Bill log maintenance

Accounts Receivables and collections

Time and Effort reporting

Award closeouts

Understand and apply federal and state regulations

Identify critical reporting deadlines and applicable terms and conditions

Ensure accuracy and timeliness in financial reporting and invoice preparation

Communication with campus community and external sponsors

Other assignments and duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

This position will be hired at either an Accounting Assistant or Accounting Assistant SR level based upon qualifications and duties assigned:

For Accounting Assistant:

Two years of bookkeeping, accounting, or other related experience; OR an associate's degree

For Accounting Assistant SR:

Four years of relevant experience; OR a bachelor's degree; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

For Both Levels:

Excellent computer skills, with emphasis on Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook

Effective oral and written communication skills

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated and able to successfully complete work assignments with limited supervision

Ability to discretely handle confidential information

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Banner accounting system

Experience in higher education accounting

Familiarity with Uniform Guidance

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary
Minimum $43,000, commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu
.

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

titleix@usu.edu

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov

*updated 08/2026