About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Penn State Office of Central Procurement team is searching for Accounting Associates. Central Procurement has a vision to develop and execute sound business and cost-effective Purchasing solutions to enable the teaching, research, and service mission of the University.
The Accounting Associate supports the financial operations of the University by performing a variety of accounting tasks with accuracy and attention to detail; is responsible for maintaining and updating financial records, processing invoices, assisting with billing functions, and generating financial reports; verifies, reconciles, and corrects financial data to ensure compliance with University policies and applicable accounting standards; serves as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance and support on accounting-related inquiries and procedures.
The successful candidate will:
Review accounting records for accuracy, completeness, and proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
Identify accounting discrepancies; make necessary corrections and update financial databases accordingly
Analyze and approve journal entries in accordance with established financial policies and procedures
Coordinate with suppliers, departments, and other stakeholders to resolve billing issues, reconcile statements, and provide payment documentation or clarification
Compile and organize financial data to support the preparation of reports for both internal use and external reporting requirements
Monitor compliance with applicable financial recording standards, University policies, and accounting best practices
Enter, retrieve, and maintain accurate financial information using computerized accounting software systems
Support the generation of billing documents and coordination of financial mailings, as needed
Provide general guidance to departments and customers regarding accounting policies and procedures
May supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Typically requires 1-2 days in office per week. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
The successful candidate must possess:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive documents and situations
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines
- Effective decision-making skills
- Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
- High level of accuracy in work and attention to detail
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.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 $34,800.00 - $50,500.00.
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.
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.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- The Accounting Associate supports the financial operations of the University by performing various accounting tasks, including maintaining financial records and processing invoices. They also serve as a point of contact for stakeholders, providing guidance on accounting-related inquiries.
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