Penn State Job Catalog

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The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Financial Compliance

The Research Financial Compliance Analyst provides post‑award financial analysis, compliance monitoring, and institutional oversight of the University's sponsored research portfolio; supports the integrity, accountability, and stewardship of sponsored funds by leading complex financial and labor analyses; monitors adherence to sponsor requirements and University policies; coordinates and supports audits and reviews; identifies systemic risks and control gaps; oversees closeout readiness for restricted grants and contracts; provides advisory support, assurance, and data‑driven insight into post‑award financial practices, compliance risks, and closeout effectiveness.

• Conduct post-award financial and labor compliance monitoring, analyzing financial, payroll, cost transfer, and cost share data to identify trends, anomalies, and potential risks
• Assess award lifecycle activity and closeout readiness, identifying delays, deficiencies, and recurring issues; recommend and support implementation of mitigation strategies
• Perform analyses to detect systemic risks, control gaps, and emerging compliance concerns, and translate findings into actionable insights
• Provide advisory guidance to colleges, campuses, and administrative units on post-award financial compliance, closeout requirements, and best practices
• Support and serve as a key liaison for internal and external audits, reviews, investigations, and sponsor inquiries; prepare and review documentation and analyses
• Track and facilitate resolution of audit findings, including development and documentation of corrective actions and process improvements
• Develop, refine, and utilize analytical models, monitoring tools, and automated workflows to enhance oversight and efficiency
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and executive-level summaries to support institutional oversight, audit readiness, and leadership decision-making
• Ensure data integrity across systems and reporting tools; identify and resolve data quality or integration issues
• Collaborate with Research Accounting, college research administrators, Strategic Finance Partners, Internal Audit, and other stakeholders to address compliance risks and improve processes
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training, guidance materials, and documentation standards related to post-award compliance and closeout practices
• Provide guidance and mentorship, including review of work products to ensure accuracy, consistency, and audit defensibility
• Participate in University-wide initiatives and special projects, offering analytical support and recommendations to improve post-award oversight and closeout performance
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

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