Accountant

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for an experienced and detail-oriented Accountant to join our Financial Reporting and Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL Business Services enables and facilitates the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of ARL by providing efficient and high-quality contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities to all ARL programs. This position will provide reporting and analysis at ARL and a wide range of support within ARL.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Manage monthly financial reporting and reconciliation activities, including Net Funded Sponsored Awards (NFSA), cost centers, cost share funding, and “Sister Account” post‑award reporting

• Prepare and analyze workforce, utilization, LOE, deficit, backlog, and other core financial reports for senior leadership; maintain supporting documentation and update internal sites as needed

• Oversee reporting and reconciliation for ARL service centers, including hours validation and direct support to service center managers

• Ensure accurate application of burden rates, and perform grant reconciliations

• Prepare and submit monthly CDRL 003 Government Use reports

• Support cross-functional finance and accounting activities, including labor, purchasing card, account reconciliations, and strategic planning

• Conduct advanced analysis of historical and operational data to develop recommendations that improve process efficiency and enhance financial reporting capabilities

Required skills and experience include:

• Financial reconciliation and related processes

• Proven success developing and delivering accurate reports that support analysis and senior leadership decision‑making

• Microsoft Excel

• Demonstrated strength in problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and organizational skills

• Success with collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

• Success expressing ideas verbally and written to drive understanding

• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast‑paced environment and work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred skills include:

• Government and industrial grants and contracts

• Penn State ACES course

• Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Outlook

• Commercial Enterprise Resource Planning systems, such as SAP or Oracle e-Business Suite

• 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 fully remote, dependent on skillset and location, within Central Pennsylvania. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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

SALARY & BENEFITS

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.

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