Financial Specialist

Overview

We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Financial Specialist to join our Program Finance and Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 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 Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• 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 the budgets for all funds, including sponsored research, overhead, and fee, and assist in the budget development process
• Approve or provide oversight on the approval of all financial documents and transactions, expenditures (including purchasing card and travel), and budgets, and assure compliance with ARL and Penn State policies and procedures as well as specific federal regulations
• Provide advice on budget management, financial controls, and policies/procedures, and provide training for ARL staff as needed
• Prepare reports, including analysis of historical and current trends and forecasting of funding profile, base estimates, overhead spending, and service centers
• Prepare and provide oversight to the portfolio of sponsored research funding for assigned area including completion of Estimate to Complete (ETC) budgets
• Supervise and mentor employees, including hiring, training, tasking, and performance management

• 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 skills
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and adjust quickly and effectively to changing priorities and demands of a fast-paced environment

• Support for the financial management of awarded programs for the Navy, DoD, IC, and other Government and Industry Sponsors
• Government contracting or DoD industry
• PSU ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) course or similar research support certification
• 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 can be hybrid on-site/work from home (on-site four days and work from home one day a week), located in State College, PA. Occasional travel may be required to other ARL locations outside of State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required

Certifications:

None.

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the DoD, and the IC. For further information on ARL, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL…