JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Penn State’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research seeks a demonstrated leader to serve as Director of the newly created Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO). This individual will report to the Assistant Vice President for Research (Post-Award Contractual Compliance).
The FACO will work closely with Research Accounting, Cost Analysis, Internal Audit, college research offices, and Financial Officers to ensure restricted grants and contracts are properly monitored and driven to a successful close. This group will review high risk transactions, identify areas of weakness, and work with the Penn State post award community to identify opportunities for improvement.
Responsibilities: The following are the responsibilities of this position:
- Supervise the Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO): It is anticipated that the FACO Director will begin with two direct reports focused primarily on a single academic college. As procedures and workflow are established, the responsibilities of the FACO will expand to include all other business areas at Penn State except for the College of Medicine and the Applied Research Lab. The FACO will be responsible for staffing the office over the next couple of years to support this expanded scope.
- Develop procedures for supporting post-award compliance at Penn State: The FACO Director will work closely with college research administrators, financial officers, and the Office of Budget and Finance to implement best practices across all business areas. They will monitor key indicators of the fiscal health of the sponsored portfolio, including overspend reports, cost transfer frequency, and timelines for project closeout.
- Implement recommendations from audits and other reviews: Penn State expensed $762M in federally funded research expenditures in FY23, $179M in other externally funded research expenditures, and another $298M in university-funded research. The FACO Director will work closely with auditors and other reviewers to ensure delivery of accurate and timely information and will work with all Penn State business units to ensure audit findings, concerns, and recommendations are appropriately addressed.
- Support training and development of the Penn State post-award community: The FACO Director will spearhead training efforts to ensure research administrators are aware of new, emerging, and ongoing contractual compliance obligations.
- Identify opportunities to increase the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of Penn State systems: The FACO Director will work with both the ORIS team and the SIMBA team to facilitate a strategic approach to prioritizing improvement requests.
- Support the OSVPR’s financial reporting obligations: The FACO Director will support the Assistant Vice President for Research in completing critically important reports, including the Annual Report of Research Expenditures and the Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey.
The successful candidate should demonstrate an ability to do the following:
- Monitor, analyze and resolve complex accounting issues.
- Perform reconciliations of complex accounts in a timely and accurate manner.
- Coordinate with colleagues on the timely and accurate submission of financial reports and invoices for sponsored projects.
- Serve as a liaison between administrative units and sister OSVPR units.
- Develop and provide outreach and education about policy interpretation, cost share, and account management.
- Recommend and implement procedures to ensure uniform and efficient accounting practices.
- Prepare special reports and provide information to internal and external customers.
The FACO Director will be expected to keep current on new and emerging sponsor requirements, university policies, and state and federal regulations regarding sponsored project administration. Experience and knowledge of SIMBA (SAP/S4HANA) is preferred. Research administration and/or accounting experience is required. An ability to communicate clearly and accurately is essential.
Education and Experience: The minimum qualifications for this position are a Bachelor’s Degree and ten years of relevant experience, including at least three years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Application Materials: Candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position, as well as a resume describing their education and work experience.
Work Arrangement: The OSVPR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Individuals working fully remotely may be asked to travel to Penn State to participate in certain on-campus activities.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness and foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives.
Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts and paid holidays.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security.
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.
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