"Accountant I"

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary

Rice University’s Chemistry Department is seeking an Accountant I to support the financial and administrative operations of the chemistry stockroom. This office-based role is ideal for early-career professionals interested in accounting, inventory management, and operations within an academic environment. You will focus on inventory tracking, financial documentation, reporting, and coordination with campus partners, vendors, and finance offices. While you will support stockroom operations, most work is performed in an office setting and involves data management, analysis, and customer service rather than physical warehouse duties. You will also provide guidance to student workers and contribute to efficient, compliant, and well-organized operations that support teaching and research.

This position reports to the Chemistry Store Manager.

Workplace Requirements:

On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hourly Hiring Range:

$23–$25/hr. (40 hours a week). *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 3+ years of experience in accounting, or related administrative work (e.g., managing schedules, inventory, or purchasing)
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial and inventory recordkeeping.
• Proficiency with inventory control practices, stocktaking methods, and standard office tools.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and analytical skills.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate with colleagues and campus stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret inventory and financial data to identify trends, forecast needs, and support operational decisions.

Preferences:

• Experience in higher education
• Experience with inventory or financial systems such as LLumin or Oracle iO.

Essential Functions:

Inventory Management & Operations

• Maintain accurate inventory records and oversee receiving, tracking, and reconciliation of stockroom items in compliance with policies and safety standards.
• Resolve inventory discrepancies and coordinate with internal staff and vendors.
• Provide stockroom support to faculty, researchers, students, and other authorized users.
• Guide and supervise student workers supporting stockroom operations.

Financial & Administrative Functions

• Maintain financial and inventory records; produce reports to support audits, budgeting, and operational decisions.
• Analyze inventory and financial data to identify trends and opportunities for efficiency.
• Process and reconcile invoices, receipts, and purchasing documentation.
• Communicate and coordinate with vendors, finance offices, and internal stakeholders.
• Support administrative processes and mentor student staff assisting with office tasks.

Rice University HR | Benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.