Penn State University

Program Finance Manager

Penn State University$86K — $129K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory role.
  • Experience in complex financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
  • Prior experience managing and developing a team of financial specialists.
  • Strong command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
  • Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects with strict deadlines.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Verify financial controls to ensure compliance with accounting and University policies.
  • Establish approval paths and authorizations aligned with access controls.
  • Manage comprehensive budgets for various funding sources and assist in budget development.
  • Approve financial documents, transactions, and expenditures, ensuring policy compliance.
  • Provide guidance on budget management and financial controls, and deliver necessary training.
  • Prepare reports analyzing financial trends and forecasting budgets and expenditures.
  • Oversee sponsored research funding and manage Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets.
  • Supervise team members including coaching, mentorship, and performance management.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children.
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for an experienced and detail-oriented Program Finance Manager to join our Program Finance 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 budget management and fiscal controls at ARL and will serve as the Program Finance Manager (PFM) for one of the major technical offices within ARL.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Verify financial controls are maintained to assure financial and budgetary information is in compliance with accounting/budgetary concepts and University policy and procedure
  • Assure approval paths, roles, and authorizations are established based on appropriate access and controls
  • Manage budgets for all funds, including sponsored research, overhead, and fee; assist in the budget development process
  • Approve or oversee approval of all financial documents and transactions, expenditures (including purchasing card and travel), and budget; ensure compliance with PSU/ARL policies and procedures, as well as specific federal regulations
  • Provide and/or coordinate advice on budget management, financial controls, and
    policies/procedures; provide training as required
  • Prepare reports, including analysis of historical and current trends and forecasting of funding profile, base estimates, overhead spending, and service centers
  • Prepare and oversee the portfolio of sponsored research funding for assigned areas, including completion of Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets
  • Supervise employees, to include coaching, mentorship, and performance management


Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Experience in complex financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Prior success managing and developing a team of financial specialists
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
  • Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Past success managing multiple projects, initiatives, and tasks with strict deadlines
  • Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills
  • Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Experience supporting the financial management of awarded programs for the Navy, DoD, IC, and other Government and industry Sponsors
  • Proficient knowledge and experience in government contracting or DOD industry
  • Successful completion of the PSU ACES course
  • 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


Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Occasional travel may be required to other ARL locations outside of State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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.

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.

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