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.

• 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

Minimum Qualifications: 

This position will be hired at either an Accounting Assistant or Accounting Assistant Senior 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 Senior:
  • 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

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

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

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.

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 28,900 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 Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. 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 reasonable accommodations 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 02/2025

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 or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

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

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

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

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023