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:

– 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
• Consulting
• Data Analysis
• Document management
• Financial analysis
• Forecasting
• Organizational training
• Policy analysis
• Process management
• Report writing