Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The Financial Specialist supports the unit and Financial Officer in providing oversight of budget and fiscal matters. Specialist responsibilities include advising department(s)/unit(s) on budget management, financial controls, and policy and procedure; providing and/or coordinating training for employees working with unit budgets; establishing, documenting, and implementing processes, procedures, systems, and standards for the efficient operation of the office and across the business areas.

• Responsible for reconciliation and management of ledger and clearing accounts for administrative area; make adjustments as needed and resolve problems
• Compile data for analysis and forecasting purposes; run reports as needed for administrative area
• Provide both formal and informal training across administrative area
• Review and approve human resource actions; assist with position management; oversee wage payroll processing and management, and prepare advances; assure deadlines are met and appropriate forms are used
• Maintain controls for administrative area; manage authorizations; assign roles as needed; approve routine journal vouchers and prepare complex correcting entries
• Maintain documented records supporting financial forecasts used in the rate and budget area
• Provide review and approval of financial documents, transactions, construction contracts, change orders, etc.
• Provide project funding and cost analysis along with guidance to stakeholders as requested
• Assign budget sources for expenditures to ensure visibility of spend on special budgets
• Analyze and verify funding sources to ensure appropriate spending and billing practices
• Prepare forecasts and analysis of trends in general business conditions and other related areas
• Responsible for performing assigned audit functions; assist with annual processes for administrative area, including general salary increase, initial operating budget preparation, inventory and carry-forward analysis
• Review and approve business expenses and ensure compliance with University policies
• Prepare financial summaries and any other specialized reports for presentation

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

• Accounting information systems
• Attention To Detail
• Consulting
• Data Analysis
• Document management
• Financial analysis
• Forecasting
• Organizational training
• Policy analysis
• Process management
• Report writing