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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
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
Skills and Experience:
- 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
Work Arrangement: This position is eligible to work 100% remotely within eligible states in the US. The successful candidate may also operate onsite at the University Park campus or follow a hybrid working model in consultation with the manager.
Standard work hours follow the Eastern Time Zone. Remote employees may be required to travel to University Park for specific activities in accordance with University policy.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
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
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $108,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
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Skills Required
- US citizenship (required due to sensitive data and government contracting)
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 3+ years relevant experience (Advanced Professional level)
- 6+ years relevant experience (Senior Professional level)
- Strong knowledge of post-award research administration and sponsored project compliance
- Experience with award closeout activities and coordinating resolution of closeout barriers
- Advanced analytical skills and ability to structure, validate, and quality-check complex financial data
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex formulas, Power Query, PivotTables, VBA/macros)
- Experience with Python or similar scripting tools for automation (preferred)
- Experience with enterprise systems such as SIMBA (SAP S/4HANA) and Workday (preferred)
- Excellent accounting, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Successful completion of background check(s)
- Authorization to work in the U.S.; employer does not sponsor visas
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
