Job Details

Financial Coordinator, Center for Ocean Enterprise

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Financial Coordinator, Center for Ocean Enterprise.

Position Details

Location
Marine Research Center

1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division
Ocean Enterprise

Position Type
Staff

Employment Status
Full Time

Grant Funded
Yes

Salary Range
43,888.00 - 53,869.00

Pay Grade

E08

Posting Close Date
September 12, 2026

Special Instructions to ApplicantsMust be able to obtain a TWIC.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job SummaryThe Financial Coordinator manages thefinancial administration of grants and designated project funds for the Centerfor Ocean Enterprise (COE) to ensure sound fiscal management and compliancewith sponsor and University requirements. The position monitors budgets,payroll projections, time and effort reporting, and compensatory time tracking;reconciles grant and designated account expenditures; and supports pre- andpost-award grant administration. Working closely with COE research staff,principal investigators, and the Executive Director, the position assists withproposal budget development, indirect cost recovery, financial reporting,purchasing, and travel coordination.Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages the financial administration of assigned grants, contracts, and designated accounts by developing and monitoring project budgets, forecasting expenditures, tracking payroll projections, reconciling financial transactions, and preparing financial analyses to ensure compliance with sponsor and University requirements. Works closely with the Executive Director to identify budgetary issues and support long-term financial planning for sponsored projects.
2. Administers pre-award and post-award grant activities by assisting with proposal budget development, budget revisions, indirect cost calculations, award setup, financial reporting, and ongoing grant management. Supports principal investigators and research staff throughout the lifecycle of sponsored projects to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and sponsor requirements.
3. Ensures compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University financial requirements by monitoring grant expenditures, reviewing financial activity for allowability and accuracy, managing indirect cost distributions, maintaining required documentation, and applying Uniform Guidance and other applicable grant regulations to assigned awards.
4. Coordinates financial and administrative support for research programs and projects by processing payroll-related forms, monitoring time and effort reporting and compensatory time, coordinating purchasing activities, travel arrangements, reimbursements, and other business transactions necessary to support project operations.
5. Serves as the primary financial liaison for assigned projects by communicating with principal investigators, research staff, the Office of Research Administration, University business offices, and external sponsors regarding budget development, financial reporting, grant administration, and compliance matters. Provides guidance and recommendations to facilitate effective fiscal management of sponsored projects
6. Maintains financial records and project documentation while supporting operational effectiveness by preparing reports, monitoring project deadlines, maintaining grant-related records and data, identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, and performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university inAccounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or aclosely related field, and two (2) years of progressively responsibleexperience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, grantadministration, sponsored research administration, or a related field. Anequivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.Advanced education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Skilled user of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with financial software and managing budgets.
• Knowledge of pre- and post- award grant processes.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and budget management.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, sponsor, and University policies.
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare reports.
• Ability to manage multiple grants and competing deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to travel to other USM campuses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to deliver assignments with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.

Preferred QualificationsKnowledgeof University financial procedures and grant administration.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.