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Pennsylvania State University

Program Finance Manager

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $106K - $175K 💻 Finance 🗓️ July 2nd, 2026
PK

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Program Finance Manager to join the Program Finance and Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The role involves managing budgets, verifying financial controls, overseeing financial transactions, preparing reports, and supervising employees to support research and technical programs within ARL.

Highlights
  • Manage budgets for sponsored research, overhead, and fees, assisting in budget development.
  • Ensure compliance with accounting, university policies, and federal regulations through financial control verification.
  • Approve financial documents, transactions, expenditures, including purchasing card and travel expenses.
  • Provide advice and training on budget management, financial controls, and policies.
  • Prepare analytical reports including trend analysis and forecasting of funding and overhead spending.
  • Oversee a portfolio of sponsored research funding, including Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets.
  • Supervise and mentor a team, managing performance.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience in complex financial reporting and forecasting.
  • Preferred experience includes financial management for Navy, DoD, Intelligence Community, government contracting, and eligibility for Secret or higher security clearance.
  • Salary range between $105,900 and $174,708; full-time position based on site at Penn State University Park with some hybrid work and occasional travel.

Program Finance Manager 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for an experienced and detail-oriented Program Finance Manager to join our Program Finance and Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University.  ARL Business Services enables and facilitates the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of ARL by providing efficient and high-quality contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities to all ARL programs. This position will provide budget management and fiscal controls at ARL and will serve as the Program Finance Manager (PFM) for one of the major technical offices within ARL.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Verify financial controls are maintained to assure financial and budgetary information is in compliance with accounting/budgetary concepts and University policy and procedure

  • Assure approval paths, roles, and authorizations are established based on appropriate access and controls

  • Manage budgets for all funds, including sponsored research, overhead, and fee; assist in the budget development process

  • Approve or oversee approval of all financial documents and transactions, expenditures (including purchasing card and travel), and budget; ensure compliance with PSU/ARL policies and procedures, as well as specific federal regulations

  • Provide and/or coordinate advice on budget management, financial controls, and
    policies/procedures; provide training as required

  • Prepare reports, including analysis of historical and current trends and forecasting of funding profile, base estimates, overhead spending, and service centers

  • Prepare and oversee the portfolio of sponsored research funding for assigned areas, including completion of Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets

  • Supervise employees, to include coaching, mentorship, and performance management

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Experience in complex financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting

  • Prior success managing and developing a team of financial specialists

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

  • Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

  • Past success managing multiple projects, initiatives, and tasks with strict deadlines

  • Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills

  • Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing

  • Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Experience supporting the financial management of awarded programs for the Navy, DoD, IC, and other Government and industry Sponsors

  • Proficient knowledge and experience in government contracting or DOD industry

  • Successful completion of the PSU ACES course

  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability.  Occasional travel may be required to other ARL locations outside of State College, PA.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

 

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

 

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $174,708.00.

 

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.

 

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