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:

– Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– None

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Typically none

Problem Solving:

– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems

Independence of Action:

– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation

Communication and Collaboration:

– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00

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