Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Accounting

The Accountant ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the University's accounting operations; applies sound accounting principles to audit, analyze, and reconcile financial transactions and records; is responsible for preparing financial statements and reports for both internal stakeholders and external entities, including auditors; supports the development and implementation of standardized accounting procedures, internal controls, and regulatory compliance frameworks; contributes to financial decision-making through detailed analysis and reporting; facilitates cost control measures; ensures the smooth flow of financial transactions across departments.

• Analyze financial records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies or exceptions related to accounting transactions
• Ensure accurate classification and coding of revenues and expenditures; maintain and reconcile ledgers
• Review, post, and approve invoices in the University's financial system for appropriate disbursement
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and related documentation to assess organizational financial health
• Calculate departmental and University-wide rates, as needed
• Interpret and apply University, federal, state, and sponsor regulations to ensure compliance; communicate policy and regulatory updates to relevant departments
• Assist in interpreting tax treaties and IRS guidelines for compliance purposes
• Coordinate month-end and year-end closing procedures, including the preparation of required documentation
• Generate detailed financial reports to update leadership on project status, financial trends, and budgetary concerns
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of internal controls and ensure adherence to established accounting policies and procedures
• Process outgoing University payments via ACH, wire transfer, check, and virtual card; collaborate with Treasury to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Liaise with suppliers or internal stakeholders to resolve payment disputes, reconcile vendor statements, and provide supporting documentation, as needed
• May supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00

• Accounting information systems
• Attention To Detail
• Data Analysis
• Data modeling
• Financial analysis
• Forecasting
• Quantitative risk analysis
• Regulatory compliance
• Report writing