[Hiring] Financial Specialist @Penn State University

Role Description

The Penn State College of Medicine, Controller's Office, in Hershey, PA, is seeking a Financial Specialist, Principal Professional who supports the unit and Financial Officer in providing oversight of budget and fiscal matters. Specialist responsibilities include:

• Advising department(s)/unit(s) on budget management, financial controls, and policy and procedure.
• Providing and/or coordinating training for employees working with unit budgets.
• Establishing, documenting, and implementing processes, procedures, systems, and standards for the efficient operation of the office and across the business areas.
• Managing the financial pieces of the annual Four Diamonds allocation process including:
  • Preparing the financial transfers of the awarded dollars to the various departments.
  • Tracking project completion and the spending of the allocated awards.
  • Collecting final reports, the closeout and audit of departments and projects that received funding.
• Responsible for labor planning, monthly reports, budget submission, and financial analysis and planning.
• Demonstrating knowledge of all aspects of the Four Diamonds process and their mission while managing $40M.
• Working with Development and Alumni Relations Associate Vice President, Operations Director, Four Diamonds Executive Director to determine the amount of philanthropic dollars available each year for allocation.
• Responsible for reconciliation and management of ledger and clearing accounts for the administrative area; making adjustments as needed and resolving problems.
• Compiling data for analysis and forecasting purposes; running reports as needed for the administrative area.
• Providing both formal and informal training across the administrative area.
• Reviewing and approving human resource actions; assisting with position management; overseeing wage payroll processing and management, and preparing advances; assuring deadlines are met and appropriate forms are used.
• Maintaining controls for the administrative area; managing authorizations; assigning roles as needed; approving routine journal vouchers and preparing complex correcting entries.
• Maintaining documented records supporting financial forecasts used in the rate and budget area.
• Providing review and approval of financial documents, transactions, construction contracts, change orders, etc.
• Providing project funding and cost analysis along with guidance to stakeholders as requested.
• Assigning budget sources for expenditures to ensure visibility of spend on special budgets.
• Analyzing and verifying funding sources to ensure appropriate spending and billing practices.
• Preparing forecasts and analysis of trends in general business conditions and other related areas.
• Responsible for performing assigned audit functions; assisting with annual processes for the administrative area, including general salary increase, initial operating budget preparation, inventory, and carry-forward analysis.
• Reviewing and approving business expenses and ensuring compliance with university policies.
• Preparing financial summaries and any other specialized reports for presentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Required Certifications: None.

Requirements

• Successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• Successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.
• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being, including:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans.
  • Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
  • Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.