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Penn State Job Catalog

Accountant – Supervisor (PSU0506)

Additional Levels

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

Job Strings

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Accounting



Job Summary

The Accountant oversees the auditing and accounting functions, and related analysis and reconciliation of financial transactions; examines, investigates, audits and reviews records, reports, financial statements, information systems, and management practices to ensure compliance with regulations and policies and efficient and effective operations; prepares various accounting statements and financial reports for use by the University and external users, including auditors; develops and implements procedures to ensure uniform accounting practices, internal controls, and compliance with federal, state or local regulations and University policy; performs calculating, posting and verifying duties of financial data; conducts cost accounting, including indirect cost analysis; facilitates and coordinates cost control procedures; forecasts, prepares, and monitors budget preparation; advises and assists students, parents, outside entities, granting agencies and organizations, and other University departments; analyzes, develops, and implements accounting and financial systems; oversees the input and flow of financial transactions, ensuring accuracy.

Representative Duties

  • Analyze accounting records for accuracy and completeness
  • Research and resolve accounting problems and/or discrepancies
  • Oversee proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
  • Analyze trends of financial records
  • Calculate various departmental and University rates
  • Interpret University and sponsor regulations to ensure that pertinent information is disseminated to appropriate University offices and ensure compliance and contractual obligations are met; assist with the interpretation of tax Treaties and IRS regulations
  • Coordinate the accounting closing to include processing of external required documentation and all required forms
  • Review final expenditure amounts with units
  • Develop and produce reports to keep management updated on the financial and contractual status of all projects
  • Supervise accounting processes, schedules and databases; which may include a function or administrative area
  • Oversee the implementation of internal controls, accounting principles, policies and regulations
  • May supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

Level Matrix

Level:
Supervisor
Base Description:
– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems
Independence of Action:
– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 10
  • Minimum – $61,800.00
  • MidPoint – $75,700.00
  • Maximum – $89,600.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements