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 oversees the auditing and accounting functions, and related analysis and reconciliation of financial transactions; examines, investigates, audits and reviews records, reports, financial statements, information systems, and management practices to ensure compliance with regulations and policies and efficient and effective operations; prepares various accounting statements and financial reports for use by the University and external users, including auditors; develops and implements procedures to ensure uniform accounting practices, internal controls, and compliance with federal, state or local regulations and University policy; performs calculating, posting and verifying duties of financial data; conducts cost accounting, including indirect cost analysis; facilitates and coordinates cost control procedures; forecasts, prepares, and monitors budget preparation; advises and assists students, parents, outside entities, granting agencies and organizations, and other University departments; analyzes, develops, and implements accounting and financial systems; oversees the input and flow of financial transactions, ensuring accuracy.

• Analyze accounting records for accuracy and completeness
• Research and resolve accounting problems and/or discrepancies
• Oversee proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
• Analyze trends of financial records
• Calculate various departmental and University rates
• Interpret University and sponsor regulations to ensure that pertinent information is disseminated to appropriate University offices and ensure compliance and contractual obligations are met; assist with the interpretation of tax Treaties and IRS regulations
• Coordinate the accounting closing to include processing of external required documentation and all required forms
• Review final expenditure amounts with units
• Develop and produce reports to keep management updated on the financial and contractual status of all projects
• Supervise accounting processes, schedules and databases; which may include a function or administrative area
• Oversee the implementation of internal controls, accounting principles, policies and regulations
• 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