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.

Accounting

The Accountant ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the University's accounting operations; applies sound accounting principles to audit, analyze, and reconcile financial transactions and records; is responsible for preparing financial statements and reports for both internal stakeholders and external entities, including auditors; supports the development and implementation of standardized accounting procedures, internal controls, and regulatory compliance frameworks; contributes to financial decision-making through detailed analysis and reporting; facilitates cost control measures; ensures the smooth flow of financial transactions across departments.

• Analyze financial records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies or exceptions related to accounting transactions
• Ensure accurate classification and coding of revenues and expenditures; maintain and reconcile ledgers
• Review, post, and approve invoices in the University's financial system for appropriate disbursement
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and related documentation to assess organizational financial health
• Calculate departmental and University-wide rates, as needed
• Interpret and apply University, federal, state, and sponsor regulations to ensure compliance; communicate policy and regulatory updates to relevant departments
• Assist in interpreting tax treaties and IRS guidelines for compliance purposes
• Coordinate month-end and year-end closing procedures, including the preparation of required documentation
• Generate detailed financial reports to update leadership on project status, financial trends, and budgetary concerns
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of internal controls and ensure adherence to established accounting policies and procedures
• Process outgoing University payments via ACH, wire transfer, check, and virtual card; collaborate with Treasury to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Liaise with suppliers or internal stakeholders to resolve payment disputes, reconcile vendor statements, and provide supporting documentation, as needed
• May supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

Level:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex 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:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00

• Accounting information systems
• Attention To Detail
• Data Analysis
• Data modeling
• Financial analysis
• Forecasting
• Quantitative risk analysis
• Regulatory compliance
• Report writing