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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00