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

Accounting Support

The Accounting Associate supports the financial operations of the University by performing a variety of accounting tasks with accuracy and attention to detail; is responsible for maintaining and updating financial records, processing invoices, assisting with billing functions, and generating financial reports; verifies, reconciles, and corrects financial data to ensure compliance with University policies and applicable accounting standards; serves as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance and support on accounting-related inquiries and procedures.

• Review accounting records for accuracy, completeness, and proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
• Identify accounting discrepancies; make necessary corrections and update financial databases accordingly
• Analyze and approve journal entries in accordance with established financial policies and procedures
• Coordinate with suppliers, departments, and other stakeholders to resolve billing issues, reconcile statements, and provide payment documentation or clarification
• Compile and organize financial data to support the preparation of reports for both internal use and external reporting requirements
• Monitor compliance with applicable financial recording standards, University policies, and accounting best practices
• Enter, retrieve, and maintain accurate financial information using computerized accounting software systems
• Support the generation of billing documents and coordination of financial mailings, as needed
• Provide general guidance to departments and customers regarding accounting policies and procedures
• May supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

Level:

– Senior Support

Base Description:

– Completes administrative activities and tasks of a technical or functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas. 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:

– May serve as lead support staff and/or provide basic direction to lower level support staff
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Handles financial transactions
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May use experience to resolve more complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

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

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials that may be intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00

• Attention To Detail
• Business acumen
• Customer Service
• Data Analysis
• Data entry
• Document management
• Financial analysis
• Office administration