Center for Ocean Enterprise Financial Manager

Center for Ocean Enterprise Financial Manager

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

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 48,177.00 - 65,180.00 Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Identification Credential).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Center for Ocean Enterprise Financial Manager provides advanced financial, budgetary, and administrative oversight for all sponsored projects, designated accounts, and operational funds associated with the Center. This position manages the financial lifecycle of research programs and Center operations-from proposal development through post-award management and final closeout.

Responsibilities include budget development, financial forecasting, cost analysis, account reconciliation, internal and external financial reporting, procurement oversight, and compliance monitoring with federal, state, sponsor, and University requirements.

The Financial Manager serves as the primary fiscal authority for the Center and works closely with the Executive Director, COE Business Manager, COE Administrative Specialist, principal investigators, external partners, and University administrative units to ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant financial operations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops annual operating budgets for the Center, including forecasting expenditures, revenue projections, cost-share commitments, and indirect cost recovery expectations. Conducts ongoing financial analysis to evaluate Center expenditures and revenue streams, identifying budget risks, spending trends, and financial opportunities. Prepares financial summaries and reports for the Executive Director and internal/external stakeholders. Oversees financial planning associated with leases, tenant agreements, service agreements, and use of Center facilities and resources.
• Helps oversee development, implementation, and financial management of research projects by creating proposal budgets, submitting internal routing documents, reconciling grants, and preparing financial reports and deliverables.Works closely with external partners and internal teams to prepare BOEs, cost sheets, materials and supply lists, ODC budgets, travel estimates, and labor budgets.Prepares, formats, and submits all required budget and financial documentation for proposal submissions and sponsor requirements.
• Provides comprehensive financial oversight for all COE grants and contracts, including budgeting, revisions, expenditure tracking, forecasting, and fiscal reporting. Monitors allowability and allocability of expenses and ensures compliance with Uniform Guidance, University policies, and sponsor regulations. Conducts monthly reconciliations of all assigned accounts, verifying accuracy, proper cost classifications, and documentation readiness for audits. Prepares journal entries, salary reallocations, salary verification reports, MDR reconciliations, and other required accounting adjustments. Tracks indirect cost recovery, cost-share commitments, and financial performance metrics for sponsored awards.
• Collaborates with the COE Administrative Specialist to ensure accurate and timely processing of P-card transactions, journal entries, remittance vouchers and associated financial documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; and six (6) years of experience in budgeting activities/oversight. Related Education and experience may be substituted on an equal basis. Valid Driver's License is required. US Citizenship Required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and cost principles.
• Experience with grant accounting and pre/post-award processes.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to interpret financial regulations and sponsor guidelines.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to collaborate across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Business, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.

Experience managing federal grants (NOAA, DoD, NSF, ONR, etc.).

Experience with Uniform Guidance, state regulations, and university procurement systems.

Familiarity with SOARFIN, enterprise accounting systems, or ERP platforms.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

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

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

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, 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.