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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor 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
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00