Stockroom Accountant

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Please note that the Rice University campus will be closed for Winter Recess from December 24 through January 4. During this time, the hiring team will be away from the office, and application reviews will resume in early January.

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:

The Chemistry Department seeks a detail-oriented and dependable Stockroom Accountant to provide primary support for the financial, accounting, and inventory control functions of the Chemistry Stockroom. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for processing invoices and expense documentation, reconciling financial and inventory data, preparing monthly service center materials, maintaining organized records, and ensuring the accuracy of Stockroom transactions.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

While the role includes limited support for receiving and verifying deliveries, the emphasis is on accounting accuracy, inventory documentation, discrepancy resolution, and professional customer service. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, sound problem-solving ability, and the ability to work effectively in a busy academic research environment. Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and the safe handling of chemicals is preferred.

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.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on occasion
• Ability to stand, bend, or walk periodically during inventory checks

Hiring Range: $23–$25/hr

*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 inventory control, accounting, materials management, or related administrative work 
  • 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:

• Proficiency in inventory control practices, stocktaking methods, inventory management software/systems, and standard administrative tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial and inventory recordkeeping, with the ability to perform precise inventory counts.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to prioritize tasks, manage inventory flows, and meet deadlines.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and convey inventory-related information.
• Analytical ability to interpret inventory and financial data, identify trends, and prepare routine reports to support decision-making.
• Ability to perform physical tasks regularly, including lifting, moving, and handling inventory items, often in a warehouse or similar setting.

Preferences:

• Coursework or an associate degree in Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Familiarity with general laboratory safety practices and the safe handling of chemicals.
• Experience working in an academic, laboratory, or service center environment.
• Experience with inventory or financial systems such as LLumin or Oracle iO.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Essential Functions:

Inventory Management & Operations

• Monitor and manage inventory levels, conducting regular counts, audits, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness; place replenishment orders as needed.
• Organize and maintain inventory storage areas, ensuring proper labeling, shelving, and safe handling of items.
• Accurately record inventory data in databases, spreadsheets, or inventory management systems; maintain organized, up-to-date inventory records.
• Receive incoming shipments, verify contents against purchase orders, and process items for inventory, documenting any discrepancies or damages.
• Assist faculty, researchers, and students in locating products and provide courteous, informed customer support.
• Track and document order status, deliveries, returns, and discrepancies.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve financial or inventory inconsistencies in coordination with vendors and internal staff.
• Ensure compliance with inventory control policies, procedures, and safety regulations; participate in periodic inventory audits and help maintain compliance standards.
• Manage user accounts and Stockroom access permissions.

Financial & Administrative Functions

• Produce routine and ad hoc reports on inventory levels, usage, expenditures, and discrepancies.
• Analyze inventory data to forecast inventory needs, identify slow-moving or obsolete items, and recommend adjustments to inventory levels.
• Process and reconcile invoices, receipts, and purchasing documentation.
• Organize and prepare monthly financial materials, including expense journals and cost/revenue templates.
• Maintain organized financial and inventory records in shared drives for audit and compliance purposes.
• Support the annual physical inventory process (minimal physical handling).
• Communicate professionally with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and finance offices on financial, inventory, and operational matters.
• Train or guide student workers assisting with inventory or administrative tasks.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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.