Research Financial Compliance Analyst – FACO

Position Overview

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.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen. This role will be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional level based on qualifications. The position strengthens post‑award administration by providing audit leadership, compliance advisory support, data‑driven analysis, training, and process improvement.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• Strong knowledge of post‑award research administration and sponsored project compliance, especially financial analysis and labor costs.
• Demonstrated experience with award closeout activities and leading coordinated resolution of closeout barriers.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to structure, validate, and quality‑check complex financial data.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Python or similar scripting tools preferred.
• Excellent accounting, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to clearly explain analytical results and compliance implications to diverse audiences.
• Experience with enterprise systems such as SIMBA (SAP/S/4
  
  HANA) and Workday preferred.

This position is eligible to work 100% remotely within eligible states in the U.S. The successful candidate may also operate onsite at the University Park campus or follow a hybrid working model in consultation with the manager. Standard work hours follow…