Accountant

POSITION SPECIFICS
The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accountant to join their Financial Reporting and Analysis Department. ARL Business Services supports and facilitates the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of ARL through efficient and high-quality contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities.

About the role

This position will provide reporting and analysis at ARL and a wide range of support within the organization. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• Ability to express ideas verbally and written to drive understanding
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment and work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred skills

• Government and industrial grants and contracts
• Penn State ACES courses
• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Commercial Enterprise Resource Planning systems, such as SAP or Oracle e-Business Suite

Benefits

The position offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members. For more details, visit the Benefits Page.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $68,604.00 - $102,900.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure can be found here.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Contact

If you have questions related to flexible work arrangements, please contact the hiring manager during the interview process.