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:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

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
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00

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