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 Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO) at Penn State seeks a Research Financial Compliance Analyst to support the University’s $1.4B+ research enterprise through expert financial analysis, post-award compliance oversight, proactive award monitoring, and collaborative partnerships across colleges, campuses, and central units.
Since the position requires access to sensitive data and is subject to US government contracting requirements, candidates must be US Citizens.
This position will be filled at the Advanced Professional OR Senior Professional level , based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
This role strengthens post-award administration by providing audit leadership, compliance advisory support, data-driven analysis, training, and process improvement to reduce financial and compliance risk institution-wide.
Key Responsibilities:
Post-Award Compliance and Advisory Support
Serve as a trusted advisor on sponsored project administration, interpreting sponsor requirements, University policy, and applicable federal and state regulations
Partner with college, campus, and unit leadership to promote consistent, compliant post-award practices
Act as liaison for internal and external audits, reviews, and investigations; coordinate responses and track findings through resolution and remediation
Lead closeout compliance efforts by advising on timelines, sponsor requirements, and risk mitigation for end-dated awards
Contribute to documentation and governance of post-audit and process changes to support institutional learning and consistency
Financial Analysis, Monitoring, and Reporting
Monitor financial and compliance indicators (including labor and payroll) to identify risk and recommend mitigation strategies
Conduct account reconciliations; validate data and prepare accurate financial and compliance reports
Analyze complex financial issues such as labor distribution, cost transfers, budgeting challenges, and cost share commitments
Support timely award closeout by identifying at-risk transactions (labor, encumbrances, subaward invoices) and coordinating resolution with unit and central partners
Review end-of-award activity for common closeout drivers and ensure resolution prior to sponsor deadlines
Generate and interpret standard and ad hoc reports, translating results into actionable guidance and risk narratives
Data Analysis, Automation, and Risk Identification
Design, automate, and maintain repeatable financial and compliance monitoring processes
Apply advanced Excel techniques (complex formulas, Power Query, PivotTables, VBA/macros) and Python or similar tools to automate analysis and reporting
Identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks within large datasets
Document analytical logic, assumptions, and data sources to support audit defensibility and institutional knowledge
Training, Collaboration and Process Improvement
Develop and deliver training and educational resources for post-award administrators and stakeholders, including unit-specific sessions
Translate complex financial and compliance concepts into clear, accessible guidance
Collaborate with Research Administrators, Strategic Finance Partner Teams,…