Financial Analyst - Audit and Training

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) is seeking to fill a Financial Analyst position in the newly created Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO).

The FACO will work closely with Research Accounting, Internal Audit, and the college research offices to ensure restricted grants and contracts are properly monitored and driven to a successful close. This group will review high risk transactions, identify areas of weakness, and work with the Penn State post award community to identify opportunities for improvement. This individual will serve as Penn State’s point person for coordinating external audits and reviews of sponsored projects. They also will serve as Penn State’s lead for developing and delivering training to the Penn State post-award community.

Penn State expensed $846M in federally funded research expenditures in FY24, $191M in other externally funded research expenditures, and another $300M in university-funded research. (Total research expenditures = $1.337B.) Penn State also received $109M in externally funded non-research awards in FY24. Because of the magnitude of Penn State’s portfolio, Penn State is subject to many audits and reviews. The FACO will work closely with Internal Audit, external auditors, federal investigators, and other officials conducting program reviews. The FACO also will work with all Penn State business units to ensure audit findings, concerns, and recommendations are appropriately addressed. This includes long-term follow-up to ensure that new practices are not implemented in the immediate aftermath of an audit and then forgotten a few years later.

Financial Analysts will work closely with college research administrators, financial officers, and the Office of Budget and Finance to implement best practices across all business areas. Financial Analysts also will spearhead training efforts to ensure research administrators are aware of new, emerging, and ongoing contractual compliance obligations. Financial Analysts will monitor key indicators of the fiscal health of the sponsored portfolio, including account set-up times, aging reports, overspend reports, cost transfer frequency, and timelines for project closeout.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate should demonstrate an ability to do the following:

• Monitor, analyze and resolve complex accounting issues, which may involve dialogue with University departments and external sponsors.
• Perform reconciliations of complex accounts in a timely and accurate manner to ensure full compliance with university policies and internal controls.
• Coordinate with colleagues on the timely and accurate submission of financial reports and invoices for sponsored projects.
• Serve as a liaison between administrative units and sister OSVPR units and provide appropriate guidance to customers and constituents.
• Develop and provide outreach and education about policy interpretation, cost share, and account management.
• Recommend and implement procedures to ensure uniform and efficient accounting practices, internal controls, and compliance with regulations and University policy.
• Prepare special reports and provide information to internal and external customers.

Financial analysts will be expected to keep current on new and emerging sponsor requirements, university policies, and state and federal regulations regarding sponsored project administration. Experience and knowledge of SIMBA (SAP/S4HANA) is preferred. Research administration and/or accounting experience is strongly preferred. An ability to communicate clearly and accurately is essential.

Education and Experience: The minimum qualifications for this position are a Bachelor’s degree and 6+ of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Application: Candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position, as well as a resume describing their education and work experience.

Work Arrangement: The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone. Individuals working fully remotely may be asked to travel to Penn State to participate in certain on campus activities. Such travel costs will be covered by Penn State.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts, and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/prospective-employee for more detailed information.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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