Financial Specialist

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are searching for a self-motivated and detail-oriented Financial Specialist to join our Financial Reporting Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL/Penn State’s purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities engineering and technology needs. You will provide support on post award management of mid-level to complex programs/contracts, monitor and resolve deficits, reporting of hours and various sponsor report, ensure compliance to policy and procedures, and provide updates to the Program Finance Manager (PFM), Principal Investigators (PI's) and Office Head as needed.

You will:

• Coordinate post award management on mid-level to complex programs/contracts to include providing monthly reports on status of funds, Level of Effort (LOE) monitoring, manpower planning, review of travel expenses to match labor, monitor and resolve deficits, and sponsor reports as needed
• Coordinate with PI's on the completion of ETC (Estimate to Complete Budgets) of mid-level to complex programs/contracts using Propricer and SIMBA as well as help establish best practices and SOP's on this topic
• Collaborate with technical staff to track resource expenditures against project schedule and compare spending with the planned work to ensure program deliverables
• Assist in managing the financial requirements of contract close out
• Provide service to the Principal Investigators to ensure the verification of financial information for reporting through the use of SIMBA
• Assist the Program Finance Manager with the submission of professional development, strategic bid and proposal, and other special requests
• Assist the Program Finance Manager on the preliminary preparation of monthly financial key indicators as reported to ARL Leadership Team
  
  

This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional or Advanced Professional level depending upon the successful candidate’s education and experience. Minimal requirements include an Bachelor's Degree or higher plus one year of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience at the Intermediate Professional level. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level positions.

Required skills and experience include:

• Intermediate level experience in Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
• Past success in providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension to an audience
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
• Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment
  
  

Preferred skills and experience include:

• Prior experience in government contracting, research administration, and/or DoD
• Basic experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; as well as a financial system, such as SAP
• Successful completion of the PSU ACES course
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Active government security clearance
  
  

Your working location will be on-site, located in State College, PA.

Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$51,000.00 - $89,600.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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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