Accountant

Penn State University • University Park, IL

18h • $68,200 - $102,300 • Remote

About The Position

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.

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
• Success expressing ideas verbally and written to drive understanding
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast‑paced environment and work independently with minimal supervision
• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• None

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• competitive benefits package for full-time employees
• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior