Accounting Specialist (ARL)

About the role

We are searching for an Accounting Specialist to join the Accounting Department with the Office of Business Services 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. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and reconcile financial and non-financial data
• Generate and analyze various monthly, yearly, and ad hoc reports
• Support internal and external audit efforts
• Participate in business process improvement activities
• Investigate and resolve complex business issues
• Review various types of transactions and forms to ensure compliance with applicable contractual terms and conditions, ARL and Penn State Policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Federal Regulations

Required skills and experience

• Success producing and interpreting financial reports
• Demonstrated ability to work through difficult problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
• Working knowledge of cost accounting principles
• Intermediate experience with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work both independently and as a project team member
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Preferred skills and experience

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and implement solutions
• Demonstrated experience with financial and compliance audits
• Working knowledge of Federal Regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Willingness to learn commercial information systems
• Sponsored award administration

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

Work location and flexibility

Your working location can be hybrid on-site/work from home, or fully remote, dependent on skillset and location, within the U.S. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position is $68,604.00 - $102,900.00.

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.

Additional requirements

• U.S. citizenship required
• Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance
• Must participate in the ARL drug testing program
• Must comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors
• Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas
• Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies