Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Financial Specialist - Dept of the Controller. This role oversees financial data management, conducts analyses, prepares reports, manages budgets including grants, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the university's financial health. The position requires collaboration with multiple departments, financial modeling skills, and may include staff supervision.

Highlights

Prepare and manage organizational, project, and grant-specific budgets; review financial reports and forecasts.
Analyze financial data and construct financial models to aid decision-making.
Verify funding sources and monitor expenditures against funds for compliance.
Track and report grants, contracts, and program expenditures.
Prepare monthly financial statements, budget vs. actual reports, and cash flow forecasts.
Provide funding and cost analysis, offering guidance to stakeholders.
Identify cost savings and process improvement opportunities.
Maintain accurate financial transaction records and audit documentation.
Advise on budget management, financial controls, and policy; train administrative staff.
Collaborate with departments to gather financial data and ensure timely submission of regulatory documents.
Support annual audits and work with external auditors to ensure compliance with university policies and regulations.
Recommend and implement improvements to financial policies and procedures.
May supervise staff including hiring and performance management.
Requires a Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.
No specific certifications required.
Salary range: $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
Provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents.
Position is full-time and requires successful background checks.
Authorized work eligibility in the U.S. is required; no visa sponsorship.
Serves the College of Medicine department.

Financial Specialist - Dept of the Controller Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

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 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
Track and report on grants, contracts, and program expenditures
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
May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.

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.Penn State 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.

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Original Job Description