Penn State Job Catalog

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Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

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:

– 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