Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Accounting

The Research Accountant supports the financial administration and operational management of the University's sponsored research portfolio throughout the post-award lifecycle; manages financial activities for grants and contracts from account setup through closeout, including monitoring expenditures, preparing invoices and financial reports, reconciling accounts, and ensuring accurate financial reporting; supports institutional oversight of sponsored project finances by conducting financial analysis, monitoring compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies, coordinating audit activities, and identifying operational or compliance risks across research accounts; works collaboratively with principal investigators, departmental research administrators, sponsors, and central administrative units; provides guidance on financial management of sponsored awards, resolves complex accounting issues, and promotes best practices in post-award administration.

• Administer sponsored research awards across the full lifecycle, ensuring financial activities align with sponsor terms, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor grant expenditures, review financial transactions, and perform account reconciliations to ensure accuracy, allowability, and proper cost classification
• Prepare and submit sponsor invoices, financial reports, and reimbursement requests; manage accounts receivable and resolve billing or payment issues
• Maintain accurate and complete award data and financial records within enterprise financial systems
• Conduct financial analysis of sponsored project activity to identify trends, variances, and potential risks
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and institutional policies; provide guidance to departments on post-award financial management expectations
• Support internal and external audits, sponsor reviews, and compliance assessments by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries
• Serve as a liaison among research accounting, departmental administrators, sponsors, auditors, and other stakeholders to resolve financial issues
• Recommend and implement improvements to financial processes, reporting tools, internal controls, and administrative procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance
• Contribute to institutional reporting, data quality efforts, and process standardization initiatives
• May provide guidance or oversight of specific processes or workflows to ensure consistency and adherence to established standards
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– None

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Typically none

Problem Solving:

– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems

Independence of Action:

– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation

Communication and Collaboration:

– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00