Capitalizing on over 140 years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) has embarked on an unprecedented period of expansion. USC is now poised to take its place as the preeminent research institution of the 21st century and we are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.

The USC department of Business Services is seeking a Payment Specialist to join its team.

About the Opportunity

The Payment Specialist processes payments to vendors, reimbursements to employees, and stipends to students in accordance with University, sponsored project, IRS, and state taxation requirements. Identifies, researches, and resolves problems with invoices, check requests and other payment requests.

Ensures that University payments are processed in a timely and accurate manner.

The Payment Specialist:

• Audits requests for vendor payments, reimbursements, and stipends for compliance with university, funding source, IRS, and state taxation requirements. Verifies payment, reimbursement, and stipend requests are justified by a business purpose, properly approved, and supported by sufficient funds. Identifies and obtains missing documentation before processing payment. Ensures that university payments including, but not limited to, checks, Electronic Data Exchange (EDI), foreign drafts, wire transfers, and buyer procurement cards are processed in a timely manner.

• Identifies, addresses, and resolves customer concerns and problems associated with invoices, check requests, and checks. Processes stop payments, reissues and voids. Produces and distributes reports related to vendor payments, reimbursements, and stipends. Verifies accuracy of reports prior to distribution. Maintains documentation for audit purposes.

• Trains and provides leadership, guidance and direction to student workers. Monitors student attendance.

• Assists with development and implementation of new department programs, policies and procedures. Interprets policies regarding financial payments.

• Answers phone and email correspondence inquiries and requests from various departments, students, and vendors. Interacts with university administrators, agency representatives, and colleges.

• Makes recommendations to improve systems to assist customers and facilitate payments.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications:

All candidates for the position of Payment Specialist must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Associate degree; combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

• 1 year of related bookkeeping/accounting experience

• Knowledge of bookkeeping/ accounting practices and principles

• Ability to use a variety of bookkeeping/accounting software applications such as databases, spreadsheets, etc., as required

The hourly rate range for this position is $25.12 - $25.64. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

About USC Business Services

The USC department of Business Services is comprised of Strategic Sourcing Procurement Services, Supplier Diversity Services, Disbursement Control and Accounts Payable, Business Operations, Sponsored Projects Accounting, and Mailing, and Material Management Services. These departments are primarily responsible for the purchase and payment of goods and services on behalf of the University in accordance with the policies set forth by the University, and federal, state, and local laws. We aim to provide exceptional customer service and are here to help the University community! We value Accountability, Teamwork, Open Communication, Integrity, and Opportunities for Growth & Professional Development. Join us – apply today!

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

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Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Related bookkeeping/accounting experience. Knowledge of bookkeeping/ accounting practices and principles. Ability to use a variety of bookkeeping/accounting software applications such as databases, spreadsheets, etc., as required.