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Pennsylvania State University

Financial Specialist - Controller's Office

🇺🇸 Remote - US 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $51K - $74K 💻 Finance 🗓️ January 16th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Financial Specialist - Controller's Office. This role involves managing financial data, conducting analyses, preparing reports, and supporting budgeting, grant management, and compliance processes to maintain the financial health of the College of Medicine.

Highlights
  • Manage organizational, project, and grant-specific budgets; prepare and review financial reports and forecasts.
  • Analyze financial data and build financial models for decision-making.
  • Verify funding sources and monitor spending compliance with restricted and unrestricted funds.
  • Process financial transactions between the College of Medicine, Penn State Health, and other university units.
  • Prepare monthly financial statements, budget vs. actual reports, and cash flow forecasts.
  • Provide cost analysis and funding guidance to stakeholders; identify cost savings and process improvements.
  • Maintain accurate financial records and support audit documentation.
  • Advise on budget management, financial controls, policies, and provide training to administrative staff.
  • Collaborate with various departments for financial data collection and insight provision.
  • Ensure timely submission of regulatory documents and support annual audits with external auditors.
  • Ensure compliance with university financial policies and recommend improvements.
  • Bachelor's degree required with 1+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
  • No required certifications specified.
  • Salary range from $51,000 to $74,000 with competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.
  • Position requires successful background check and U.S. work authorization.

Financial Specialist - Controller's Office Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Penn State College of Medicine, Controller's Office in Hershey, PA is seeking a Financial Specialist.
The Financial Specialist is responsible for overseeing financial data, conducting financial analyses, and preparing reports; supports financial planning, budgeting, grant management, and regulatory compliance; plays a key part in ensuring the financial health for the organization in support of the University's mission. Positions in this job profile require a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial modeling, and business operations.

  • Prepare and manage organizational budgets, including project and grant-specific budgets; prepare and review financial reports and forecasts
  • Analyze financial data and develop financial models to support decision-making
  • Verify funding sources to ensure appropriate spending and billing practices; analyze and monitor spending against restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure compliance with requirements
  • Prepare, review, and processing financial transactions between the College of Medicine, Penn State Health, and other University units.
  • Prepare monthly financial statements, budget vs. actual reports, and cash flow forecasts
  • Provide project funding and cost analysis along with guidance to stakeholders as requested
  • Identify areas for cost savings and process improvements
  • Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and ensure proper documentation for audits
  • Advise on budget management, financial controls, policy/procedure; coordinate and deliver training to administrative staff
  • Collaborate with various departments to gather financial data and provide insights
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of regulatory documents
  • Support the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and financial regulations
  • Recommend and implement improvements to financial policies and procedures
  • Assist other departments as needed
  • Other duties as assigned
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
acceptedRequired Certifications:None
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
 Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
 
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.
 
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
 
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.

EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.