Financial Analyst; Post-Award Compliance - FACO

Overview

Financial Analyst (Post-Award Compliance) – FACO

The Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO) is seeking a Financial Analyst (Post-Award Compliance) to join a dynamic team dedicated to supporting Penn State's research enterprise through expert financial analysis, compliance oversight, and collaborative partnerships with colleges and units.

This position plays a key role in strengthening the post‑award administration of the University's $1.3 B+ research portfolio by contributing expertise in research administration, audit coordination, training, process improvement, and data‑driven reporting. Financial Analysts work closely with college research administrators, financial officers, Research Accounting, Internal Audit, the Office of Budget and Finance, and other stakeholders to implement best practices, strengthen internal controls, enhance compliance, and ensure operational excellence across the research enterprise.

• Provide expert guidance on research administration and compliance in collaboration with unit-level partners.
• Stay up to date with emerging sponsor requirements, University policies and procedures, and evolving federal and state regulations related to sponsored project administration.
• Develop and deliver training and educational resources on post‑award policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Provide ongoing guidance to promote compliance standards and best practices for consistent understanding across the research community.
• Monitor, analyze and assess key financial indicators to evaluate the health of research portfolios, including budgeting, overspend reports, cost share, cost transfer frequency, master data, labor issues, effort certification and timelines for project closeout.
• Resolve complex financial and accounting issues in a timely and accurate manner in collaboration with college and central offices, to ensure full compliance with University policies, internal controls and sponsor requirements.
• Coordinate and serve as a liaison for internal and external audits, reviews, and assessments related to sponsored research.
• Track audit findings, ensure timely resolution, and document post‑audit changes to ensure alignment with sponsor and University requirements and support long‑term compliance and continuity.
• Conduct account reconciliations and prepare accurate financial reports to support data‑informed decision‑making and sponsor compliance.
• Identify systemic issues and risks related to non‑compliance and propose standardized procedures to address them.
• Generate, interpret, and present both standard and special reports to support University‑wide initiatives, provide actionable guidance, and inform leadership and external stakeholders.
• Provide compliance oversight and consultative support to college research administration teams, foster strong partnerships, enhance communication, and strengthen the connection between units and FACO.
• Deliver unit‑specific training using local data and support resolution of advanced issues not easily addressed through standard financial systems.

This position will be filled at the Advanced Professional or the Senior Professional level. The minimum qualifications for the Advanced Professional level are a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The minimum qualifications for the Senior Professional level are a Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Strong knowledge of post‑award research administration, compliance regulations, and sponsor guidelines is strongly preferred. Exceptional analytical, accounting, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential for success in this role. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, including advanced use of Excel and other reporting tools, is highly valued. Strong presentation and training skills are also important, as this role involves translating complex financial and compliance concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences.

Experience with enterprise systems such as SIMBA (SAP/S4

HANA) is…