Penn State Job Catalog

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

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Finance

The Financial Specialist is responsible for overseeing financial data, conducting financial analyses, and preparing reports; supports financial planning, budgeting, grant management, and regulatory compliance; plays a key part in ensuring the financial health for the organization in support of the University's mission. Positions in this job profile require a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial modeling, and business operations.

• Prepare and manage organizational budgets, including project and grant-specific budgets; prepare and review financial reports and forecasts
• Analyze financial data and develop financial models to support decision-making
• Verify funding sources to ensure appropriate spending and billing practices; analyze and monitor spending against restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure compliance with requirements
• Track and report on grants, contracts, and program expenditures
• Prepare monthly financial statements, budget vs. actual reports, and cash flow forecasts
• Provide project funding and cost analysis along with guidance to stakeholders as requested
• Identify areas for cost savings and process improvements
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and ensure proper documentation for audits
• Advise on budget management, financial controls, policy/procedure; coordinate and deliver training to administrative staff
• Collaborate with various departments to gather financial data and provide insights
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of regulatory documents
• Support the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors
• Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and financial regulations
• Recommend and implement improvements to financial policies and procedures
• 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

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