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:

– 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

• 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