Financial Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 11, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Financial Specialist to join our Program Finance and Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). This position will provide budget management and fiscal controls at ARL and will serve as the Program Finance Manager (PFM) for one of the major technical offices within ARL. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Verify financial controls are maintained to assure financial and budgetary information is in compliance with accounting/budgetary concepts and University policy and procedure Assure 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, and assist in the budget development process Approve or provide oversight on the approval of all financial documents and transactions, expenditures (including purchasing card and travel), and budgets, and assure compliance with ARL and Penn State policies and procedures as well as specific federal regulations Provide advice on budget management, financial controls, and policies/procedures, and provide training for ARL staff as needed Prepare reports, including analysis of historical and current trends and forecasting of funding profile, base estimates, overhead spending, and service centers Prepare and provide oversight to the portfolio of sponsored research funding for assigned area including completion of Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets Supervise and mentor employees, including hiring, training, tasking, and performance management Required skills/experience areas include: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, 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 Preferred skills/experience areas include: Support for the financial management of awarded programs for the Navy, DoD, IC, and other Government and Industry Sponsors 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 Your working location can be hybrid on-site/work from home (on-site four days and work from home one day a week), located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Occasional travel may be required to other ARL locations outside of State College, PA. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines