Position Function:
Performs various clerical and accounting tasks in support of an operating department/unit, to include posting entries, verifying and reconciling input to financial reporting system output, processing payments, and/or assisting in preparation of billings and other financial reports. Responds to inquiries and contacts other departments and/or vendors to resolve a variety of problems.
Salary Grade: 09
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University. The faculty have diverse teaching, research, and outreach expertise including forest biology and watershed management; forest economics, management, and policy; forest measurements, biometrics, and spatial technologies; and wood supply systems. The Department has two undergraduate degree programs, Forestry and Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation, accredited by the Society of American Foresters with ~200 students which includes ~40 graduate students in both on-campus and distance education programs. The University’s John W. Starr Memorial Forest (a +8,000-acre research and teaching forest), the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tombigbee National Forest are located in close proximity to the University and are used for teaching, research, and extension/outreach activities.
Mississippi State University is a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution and a land grant university with a strong connection to the state-wide Extension Service. The university is located in Starkville, a medium-size college town in northeast Mississippi (www.msstate.edu/web/about).
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assists in maintaining accounting system for department/unit. May participate in accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, travel, personnel, or related functions and maintenance of records.
2. May prepare entries and post financial transactions; may reconcile entries and internal ledgers to financial reporting system reports.
3. May process journal vouchers for procurement card purchases.
4. May assist in ordering, care, maintenance, and utilization of department equipment, supplies, and inventories.
5. May sort documents; code, logs, review for accuracy; match supporting invoices to procurement documents; and verify invoices for payment.
6. May research processing problems, may contact departments and vendors to resolve problems and expedite payment, and respond to inquiries by telephone or in writing; refers complex problems for solution.
7. May handle cash and cash related transactions, issues receipts, records and types money lists, and balances cash fund; enters cash transactions in ledgers and reconciles cash reports; prepares bank deposits.
8. Assists in preparation of financial statements such as billings, budgets, and cost reports.
9. May distribute, review, calculate, and process payroll time sheets and employment documents; verifies account numbers; maintains leave and other payroll records.
10. May answer telephones, open and log mail, meet and greet visitors, and assist in other clerical functions; may arrange travel and meetings and coordinate office security and key control.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma.
Experience (yrs.): Two years directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Substitution allowed:
Education may be substituted for experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Two-year college or technical degree in accounting or a business related course of study.
2. Experience with the MSU BANNER system.
3. Experience with grants and contracts.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Basic data entry and/or word processing skills.
2. Ability to sort, check, count, and verify numbers.
3. Records maintenance skills.
4. Knowledge of payroll policies and procedures.
5. Knowledge of university accounting procedures involving procurement, travel, and/or employment.
6. Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork.
7. Ability to perform simple accounting procedures.
8. Ability to analyze and solve problems.
9. Knowledge of cash management principles and/or procedures.
10. Account balancing skills.
11. Ability to use an automated accounting system.
12. Ability to prepare financial reports.
13. Knowledge of university invoicing procedures.
14. Knowledge of accounts payable procedures and practices.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
* Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
* No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
* No or very limited physical effort required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Please apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include a cover letter and resume.
Screening Date:
April 3, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
