Accountant 1 - Government Billing/Reporting - Office of Research Accounting

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Finance and Business is a values driven organization that supports thousands of University faculty, staff, and students, while also providing services to the broader community and society.
The Office of Budget and Finance is part of the Finance and Business team and has a vision to recruit, develop and retain outstanding people who efficiently provide exceptional service in support of Penn State’s teaching, research and public service missions.
Our values model those of Penn State's and we firmly believe in the value of Respect, which encourages us to "respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community.
" As an incoming team member in the Office of Budget and Finance, it will be expected that all employees embody and model Penn State's and Finance and Business's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Research Accounting is the University’s post-award, accounts receivable function for sponsored research projects, funded by Federal, Commonwealth and private institutions.
The mission is to facilitate the timely and accurate reimbursement of sponsored expenditures and provide reliable and meaningful financial information to the management, sponsors, and our partners.
The vision is to develop a cohesive team to sustain our systems and processes to provide excellent service.
The Office is seeking an individual who can prepare documents, including invoices, financial reports, expenditure forecasts and management reports within the existing system and the new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, System for Integrated Management, Budgeting, and Accounting - SIMBA (SAP/S4HANA).
Assist in the review of financial provisions before University acceptance of grants and contracts.
Prepare reimbursement requests for the expenditures of sponsored programs, consistent with the financial provision of the grant or contract, which may involve accessing a sponsors' website.
Establish, maintain and close accounts within the University's financial system.
Oversee and reconcile accounting of income and expenditures and provide instructions for posting receipts.
Prepare accounting adjustments and post journal vouchers.
Monitor, analyze and resolve accounting and accounts receivable issues, which may involve dialog with University departments and sponsors.
Assist with preparing information in response to audit requests.
Ensure the accurate and timely processing of transactions, invoices and reports.
Recommend changes in workflows, procedures and processes to ensure efficiencies.
Typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A degree in business administration, accounting or related field is preferred.
Experiences working with financial systems and spreadsheet, database and word processing applications are preferred.
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing, strong organizational skills, and proven record of success as a member of a professional team are desirable.
This position is eligible for full remote work.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms.
We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive.
We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
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.