Research Financial Compliance Analyst – FACO

** 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, Pivot Tables, 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, Research Accounting, Internal Audit, and the Office of Budget and Finance
* Identify systemic risks and recommend standardized procedures to strengthen internal controls, compliance, and operational effectiveness
* Support University-wide initiatives and prepare special analyses or briefings for senior leadership and external agencies as needed
*
* Skills and Experience:

*** Strong knowledge of post-award research administration and sponsored project compliance, particularly financial analysis and…