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 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.

• 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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy 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
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00