Penn State is hiring a Financial Specialist

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a Financial Specialist to join a major technical office. You will provide critical budget management and fiscal controls, supporting the Program Finance Manager to ensure financial compliance and prepare key reports for sponsored research and other funds.

What You'll Do

• Verify financial controls are maintained to assure compliance with accounting concepts, University policy, and federal regulations.
• Ensure approval paths, roles, and authorizations are established based on appropriate access and controls.
• Manage the budgets for all funds, including sponsored research, overhead, and fee.
• Assist in the budget development process.
• Provide oversight on the approval of all financial documents, transactions, expenditures (including purchasing card and travel), and budgets.
• Provide expert advice on budget management, financial controls, and policies/procedures.
• Provide training for ARL staff as needed.
• Prepare reports, including analysis of historical and current trends and forecasting of funding profiles, base estimates, overhead spending, and service centers.
• Prepare and provide oversight to the portfolio of sponsored research funding for your assigned area, including completion of Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor's Degree.
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture.
• Past success managing multiple projects, initiatives, and tasks with strict deadlines.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills were crucial to be effective.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and adjust quickly and effectively to changing priorities and demands of a fast-paced environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting the financial management of awarded programs for the Navy, DoD, IC, and other Government and Industry Sponsors.
• Background in government contracting or DoD industry.
• PSU ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) course or similar research support certification.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Technical Stack

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Team & Environment

You'll be a key member of the Program Finance and Analysis Department, reporting directly to the Program Finance Manager (PFM). ARL fosters a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture and is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary range: $51,000.00 - $74,000.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children

Work Mode

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement based in State College, PA.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.