Accounting Specialist (ARL

Position Specifics

Accounting Specialist to join the Accounting Department within the Office of Business Services at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University.

• Review, analyze, and reconcile financial and non‑financial data
• Generate and analyze various monthly, yearly, and ad‑hoc reports
• Support internal and external audit efforts
• Participate in business process improvement activities
• Investigate and resolve complex business issues
• Review various types of transactions and forms to ensure compliance with applicable contractual terms and conditions, ARL and Penn State policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and federal regulations

• Success producing and interpreting financial reports
• Demonstrated ability to work through difficult problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
• Working knowledge of cost accounting principles
• Intermediate experience with Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Ability to work both independently and as a project team member
• Success in an office environment where communication and organizational skills are crucial

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and implement solutions
• Experience with financial and compliance audits
• Working knowledge of federal regulations, GAAP, and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Willingness to learn commercial information systems
• Sponsored award administration

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• No required certifications
• U.S. citizenship required

Employment will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.

Hybrid on‑site/work from home, or fully remote, dependent on skillset and location, within the U.S. Questions regarding flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Salary range: $68,604 – $102,900. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount.

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.