POSITION SPECIFICSThe Penn State College of Medicine, Controller’s Office, in Hershey, PA, is seeking a Financial Specialist, Principal Professional to support the Vice Dean of Research and Graduate Studies business area by providing strategic oversight of budget, fiscal, operational, and compliance-related financial activities. This position supports leadership through financial planning, forecasting, executive reporting, operational analysis, and financial management across a complex research and academic enterprise.
This role oversees financial operations associated with approximately $31M in annual operating expenditures across 12 departments and operational units including research administration, graduate education, clinical trials, compliance operations, core facilities, investigational drug services, and animal research activities. The position also supports approximately $7.5M in intercompany revenue activity, 14 core facilities with independent reporting requirements, more than 1,290 annual client transactions, internal competitively awarded funding exceeding $2.6M annually, over 25 ARSOs totaling approximately $1M, and financial tracking and projection activities associated with approximately 330 resident graduate students.
This position serves as a key financial resource to leadership and is responsible for budget preparation, forecasting, labor planning, financial analysis, executive reporting, compliance oversight, and operational support. The role develops executive-level reports, dashboards, and presentations to support strategic decision-making and collaborates with operational leaders, faculty, research administrators, and central administrative offices to ensure effective financial stewardship and operational continuity across the College of Medicine research enterprise.
The successful candidate will:
- Reconcile and manage ledger and clearing accounts; resolve complex financial issues and ensure compliance with University policies
- Compile and analyze financial and operational data for forecasting, strategic planning, and executive reporting purposes
- Prepare executive-level financial reports, dashboards, presentations, and operational analyses for leadership
- Support labor planning, budget preparation, forecasting, and operational financial management activities
- Maintain financial controls, operational procedures, and reporting structures to support compliance and efficient operations
- Review and approve financial transactions, journal vouchers, correcting entries, and business expenses as appropriate
- Provide project funding analysis, operational forecasting, and financial guidance to stakeholders and leadership
- Support audit, compliance, and year-end financial activities across the business area
- Coordinate financial reporting and operational support activities associated with core facilities, graduate education operations, and internal funding programs
- Provide oversight, workflow coordination, and guidance for financial staff supporting the business area
This position offers a remote work arrangement which will require minimal travel to the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. Questions related to work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Required skills and experience:
- Strong financial management and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial and operational data and translate it into actionable insights for leadership
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and reporting requirements simultaneously
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, including the capacity to identify financial risks, resolve complex accounting issues, and recommend process improvements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with others
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive financial information with professionalism and integrity
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.
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.
