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.

Financial Shared Services

The Financial Shared Services Associate serves as a central point of contact for processing and coordinating financial transactions on behalf of assigned University units; supports the Accounts Payable and Travel Expense or Purchase Request functions; ensures timely, accurate, and compliant execution of financial processes. Financial Shared Services Associates are aligned to specific units across the University to ensure personalized and consistent support.

• Serve as a central hub member for either the Accounts Payable and Travel Expense team or the Purchase Request team
• Receive and process unit requests for non-purchase order (PO) invoice payments, travel expense reports, purchase card reconciliation transactions, and/or purchase orders
• Review all financial transactions for compliance with University policies, procedures, documentation standards, and regulatory guidelines
• Reconcile discrepancies and investigate transactional anomalies or errors
• Execute financial approvals on designated transactions
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date transaction records in financial systems
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing transaction documentation and reports
• Maintain alignment and communication with specific unit teams to ensure accurate and responsive support
• Provide excellent customer service to internal stakeholders through clear communication and timely issue resolution; assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction
• Provide training to new staff members
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation in transaction workflows
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of financial data at all times
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Senior Support

Base Description:

– Completes administrative activities and tasks of a technical or functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas. 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:

– May serve as lead support staff and/or provide basic direction to lower level support staff
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Handles financial transactions
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May use experience to resolve more complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials that may be intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00

• Attention To Detail
• Auditing
• Continuous improvement
• Data integrity
• Document management
• ERP Software
• Financial analysis
• Financial reporting
• Prepare Financial Statements
• Regulatory compliance
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder management
• Travel & Expense Reports