Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Erin Langford-Loftis, erin.langford-loftis@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$38,040 - $60,000 Salary

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

About this Position

Join the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Finance and Business Operations team as an Accountant I or II. This position provides financial analysis and support involving sponsored grants and contracts, institutional accounts, and purchasing functions for multiple units and departments. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, service-oriented team that values initiative, adaptability, and thoughtful problem-solving.

About Us

The Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Oklahoma through science-based information and education. The Division comprises the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

For more information about the Division, visit: https://agdivision.okstate.edu/.

There are many great reasons to work at Oklahoma State University. Information about employee benefits and eligibility is available at: https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html.

Position Details

The successful candidate will join a collaborative finance team that provides comprehensive financial services to multiple units and departments. Working under the direction of the Finance Team Manager, this position will provide financial analysis and support involving sponsored grants and contracts, institutional accounts, and purchasing functions. The work requires the application of accounting principles, analysis of financial information, and consistent use of discretion and independent judgment.

This position will primarily focus on [sponsored-grant financial management / institutional-account financial management / purchasing and procurement]. However, all finance team members are expected to develop and maintain the knowledge and flexibility necessary to support functions across all three areas based on operational needs.

Essential Accounting Functions

• Financial Analysis: Evaluating revenue, cost, and debt trends to advise management on financial strategies or operational efficiency.
• Auditing: Overseeing internal controls, preparing deliverables for external auditors, and investigating discrepancies in financial statements.
• Budgeting: Forecasting future expenditures and assisting in the preparation and monitoring of departmental or company-wide operating budgets.
• Financial Reporting: Compiling, reconciling, and certifying monthly, quarterly, or annual financial reports for stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

Additional responsibilities may include monitoring account balances, and encumbrances; reviewing revenues and expenditures; performing account and transaction reconciliations; processing accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions; preparing invoices; coordinating purchases; maintaining supporting documentation; resolving financial discrepancies; and advising stakeholders regarding fund availability and appropriate use.

Work priorities, departmental assignments, and specific duties will be established by the Finance Team Manager in coordination with unit and department leadership and their operational needs. Within this framework, the successful candidate will work closely with department heads, faculty, staff, and students to understand their needs, respond to concerns, and provide timely, service-oriented financial support. The candidate will be expected to take initiative, anticipate routine needs, identify and communicate potential issues, and carry responsibilities through to completion without requiring direction from the Finance Team Manager at each step.

The successful candidate will also collaborate with other finance team members and Finance and Business Operations personnel throughout the Division to ensure financial activities are accurate, timely, appropriately documented, and consistent with applicable policies and procedures.

The office consists of a small, collaborative team whose members balance individual responsibilities with shared goals and projects. The team values thoughtful problem-solving, adaptability, open communication, new ideas, and a willingness to assist one another. Work is performed in both individual office and group meeting settings.

Appointment as Accountant I or Accountant II will be determined at the time of hire based on the selected candidate’s education, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Accounting or a related field. 
  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Six months of related experience in accounting or bookkeeping. 

Additional post-secondary education beyond requirements may substitute for years of required experience.

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of general accounting principles and financial processes.
• Ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and communicate financial information.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment when evaluating financial information and resolving issues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with department heads, faculty, staff, students, and colleagues.
• Commitment to providing timely, responsive, and service-oriented financial support.
• Ability and willingness to learn new financial systems, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency with standard office software, including Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Accounting, Business Administrative, Financial, or related area. Academic coursework or professional development related to accounting, finance, budgeting, grants management, or public-sector financial administration. 

• Experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Fund accounting or higher education financial administration.
  • Sponsored-grant financial management.
  • Institutional account management.
  • Purchasing, procurement, accounts payable, or accounts receivable.
  • Budget development and monitoring.
  • Financial reporting, account reconciliation, or financial analysis.
  • Providing financial support to multiple units or departments.

  Five years’ job-related experience. Prior experience with the OSU Financial system preferred (Banner); work history shows progressively responsible financial positions. Experience with QuickBooks is preferred. 3 Years of Accounting/Finance Experience. Experience using Excel pivot tables for financial dataFive years’ job-related experience. Prior experience with the OSU Financial system preferred (Banner); work history shows progressively responsible financial positions. Experience with QuickBooks is preferred.

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of fund accounting principles.
• Experience using QuickBooks.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with enterprise financial, grants management, or procurement systems.
• Familiarity with financial policies and procedures in a higher education, governmental, or other public-sector environment.