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.

Cost Accounting

The Cost Accountant Determines and implements cost accounting procedures and methods. Responsible for the preparation and analysis of cost reports and costing audits. Examines and reviews unusual cost records and ensures cost data is allocated correctly.

• Review and perform cost analysis on charge-out rate submissions, including specialized service facilities, working with Financial Officers & Departmental personnel to ensure proposals meet University and Federal costing guidelines to optimize the University's cost recovery
• Captures and classifies cost data to determine the cost associated with projects or unit activities
• Compares actual costs to historical or projected costs and reports on variance
• Provides cost-related data in support of business decisions or for use in financial reporting
• May participate in or oversee regular inventory
• Assist in liaison function between the University and Federal & State agencies for audits, reviews, and other matters
• Keep current on federal regulations and cost principles to determine the University's position and potential impact on University operations

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 – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00