University of South Carolina

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Posting Number STA00035PO26

Job Family Financial and Accounting Operations and Analysis

Job Function Accounting

USC Market Title Accounting Manager

Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132809

Job Level M3 - Managerial

Business Title (Internal Title) Controller

Campus Beaufort

Work County Beaufort

College/Division USC Beaufort College/Division Level

Department BFT Controller

State Pay Band 8

Approved Starting Salary $79,302

Advertised Salary Range Commensurate with experience and education

Location of Vacancy USC Beaufort supported area

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

Standard working schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Administrative

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Advertised Job Summary

The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) invites applications for an experienced and strategic Controller to join our Finance team. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance, this critical leadership role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of financial operations across USCB and its affiliated entities. If you are a CPA who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven higher education environment and enjoys balancing strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, we want to hear from you.

Why Join USCB?

USCB is a vibrant, student-centered institution committed to academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. As Controller, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the University’s mission by safeguarding financial compliance, strengthening internal controls, and advancing sound financial decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Serve as the chief accounting officer for USCB, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Oversee General Accounting functions, including Grants and Sponsored Programs, Accounts Payable, and the General Ledger.
• Coordinate and review internal and external financial reports; prepare annual USCB financial statements.
• Maintain the accounting structure for USCB and ensure accurate documentation of all financial transactions.
• Serve as the primary liaison with internal and external auditors and respond to audit inquiries.
• Prepare ad hoc and special financial reports as assigned.

Fiscal Policy & Strategic Advisory

• Direct execution of USC fiscal policies, accounting standards, and internal financial controls.
• Stay current on accounting, tax, and regulatory developments and advise campus leadership accordingly.
• Participate in financial analysis and provide recommendations to support University and auxiliary operations.
• Prepare and present monthly financial activity reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance.

Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Provide leadership and accountability for General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, and Financial Reporting.
• Develop, implement, and direct operational and strategic plans for USCB’s accounting functions.
• Establish and refine policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with administrators, department heads, faculty, and staff to promote best practices in financial management.

Collaboration & Development

• Assist the Procurement Manager with contract management and bid process preparation.
• Support training and professional development for staff related to updated accounting standards and policy changes.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance or the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations.

Required Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation (required).
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and higher education accounting practices.
• Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, and audits.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse campus stakeholders.

Make an Impact

This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial foundation of a growing coastal university while contributing to the success of students, faculty, and the broader USCB community.

Join us at USC Beaufort—where financial excellence supports academic success.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Preferred Qualifications

Three (3) years related experience in an institution of higher education, with some experience at a South Carolina public institution. Experience with ERS systems such as People Soft, SCT Banner, Datatel, etc. preferred. Experience with S.C. accounting regulations preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Working knowledge of governmental accounting methods. Working knowledge of financial record keeping procedures, laws, regulations, and standards. Ability to work independently and make sound decisions. Skill in examining operations and procedures, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures for efficiency. Knowledge of fund accounting. Knowledge of federal regulation, law, and auditing requirements. Ability to plan, implement, and direct a varying range of accounting and associated information systems projects and initiatives. Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques. Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. The ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community. Ability to develop and implement effective fiscal/accounting policies and financial controls. Ability to evaluate and assess the financial viability and legality of contract, grant, and/or financial award arrangements. Knowledge of institutional and audit requirements for the provision of financial information. Knowledge of computing and computer-assisted fiscal and administrative systems. Knowledge of software to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections. Knowledge of university auditing policies, standards, and procedures. Ability to interpret audit information and to institute financial policy, procedure, and/or operational corrections and modifications. Knowledge of financial investment principles, procedures, and regulations. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a varied constituency.

Job Duty

Oversees the financial accounting & accounts payable ensuring compliance with university policies & procedures as well as state & federal laws & regulations. Responsible for the coordination and review of internal and external financial reporting for USCB. Responsible for preparation of annual USCB financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Responsible for maintaining the accounting structure for USCB. Ensures the accurate documentation of all financial transactions and the timely payment and disbursements. Periodically reviews the General Ledger accounts for accuracy and appropriateness for USCB. Prepares ad hoc reports as assigned; serves as contact with financial audit teams for USCB.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 35

Job Duty

Directs execution of USCB fiscal policies, accounting, & internal financial controls. Stays current with all accounting & tax developments; acts as an advisor for USCB on all such matters. Recommends & participates in financial analysis for the University and its affiliates.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Accountable for areas of general accounting, accounts payable, fixed asset inventory & financial reporting. Develops, implements and directs the strategic plan of operations for USCB and the. Develops, reviews and revises policies and procedures for USCB. Confers with administrative officers, department heads, faculty and staff to ensure the compliance with accounting procedures.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 20

Job Duty

Assists Procurement Manager with contracts & Bid process preparation management; helps train staff with updated accounting standards and changes in university policies

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 5

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No

Hazardous weather category Non-Essential

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Job Open Date 01/15/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions will remain posted on our employment website for a minimum of five (5) business days. After this period, postings may be closed at the department’s discretion. Our site is updated regularly, and the length of the recruitment and screening process may vary depending on the position and related factors. If your qualifications are selected for further consideration, you will be contacted directly by phone or email.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/201480

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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