[Hiring] Research Financial Compliance Analyst @Penn State University

Role Description

The Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO) at Penn State seeks a Research Financial Compliance Analyst to support the University’s $1.4B+ research enterprise through expert financial analysis, post-award compliance oversight, proactive award monitoring, and collaborative partnerships across colleges, campuses, and central units.

Since the position requires access to sensitive data and is subject to US government contracting requirements, candidates must be US Citizens. This position will be filled at the Advanced Professional OR Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

This role strengthens post-award administration by providing audit leadership, compliance advisory support, data-driven analysis, training, and process improvement to reduce financial and compliance risk institution-wide.

Key Responsibilities

• Post-Award Compliance and Advisory Support:
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on sponsored project administration, interpreting sponsor requirements, University policy, and applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Partner with college, campus, and unit leadership to promote consistent, compliant post-award practices.
  • Act as liaison for internal and external audits, reviews, and investigations; coordinate responses and track findings through resolution and remediation.
  • Lead closeout compliance efforts by advising on timelines, sponsor requirements, and risk mitigation for end-dated awards.
  • Contribute to documentation and governance of post-audit and process changes to support institutional learning and consistency.
• Financial Analysis, Monitoring, and Reporting:
  • Monitor financial and compliance indicators (including labor and payroll) to identify risk and recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Conduct account reconciliations; validate data and prepare accurate financial and compliance reports.
  • Analyze complex financial issues such as labor distribution, cost transfers, budgeting challenges, and cost share commitments.
  • Support timely award closeout by identifying at-risk transactions (labor, encumbrances, subaward invoices) and coordinating resolution with unit and central partners.
  • Review end-of-award activity for common closeout drivers and ensure resolution prior to sponsor deadlines.
  • Generate and interpret standard and ad hoc reports, translating results into actionable guidance and risk narratives.
• Data Analysis, Automation, and Risk Identification:
  • Design, automate, and maintain repeatable financial and compliance monitoring processes.
  • Apply advanced Excel techniques (complex formulas, Power Query, PivotTables, VBA/macros) and Python or similar tools to automate analysis and reporting.
  • Identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks within large datasets.
  • Document analytical logic, assumptions, and data sources to support audit defensibility and institutional knowledge.
• Training, Collaboration and Process Improvement:
  • Develop and deliver training and educational resources for post-award administrators and stakeholders, including unit-specific sessions.
  • Translate complex financial and compliance concepts into clear, accessible guidance.
  • Collaborate with Research Administrators, Strategic Finance Partner Teams, Research Accounting, Internal Audit, and the Office of Budget and Finance.
  • Identify systemic risks and recommend standardized procedures to strengthen internal controls, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
  • Support University-wide initiatives and prepare special analyses or briefings for senior leadership and external agencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of post-award research administration and sponsored project compliance, particularly financial analysis and labor costs.
• Demonstrated experience with award closeout activities and leading coordinated resolution of closeout barriers.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to structure, validate, and quality-check complex financial data.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Python or similar scripting tools preferred.
• Excellent accounting, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to clearly explain analytical results and compliance implications to diverse audiences.
• Experience with enterprise systems such as SIMBA (SAP/S/4HANA) and Workday preferred.

Requirements

• If filled as Research Financial Compliance Analyst - Senior Professional, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
  • Required Certifications: None
• If filled as Research Financial Compliance Analyst - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
  • Required Certifications: None

Benefits

• The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $108,444.00.
• 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.