Accountant Supervisor

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 66,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans with PTO

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Accountant Supervisor at Penn State Berkey Creamery oversees financial operations in line with GAAP, university policies, and regulatory requirements. You will analyze, reconcile, and report financial information, supporting strategic planning through budgeting, forecasting, and revenue reconciliation.

You will supervise accounting staff, ensure timely month-end closes, prepare statements, and collaborate with Treasury on payments and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Experience with GAAP and internal controls preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze financial records for accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue reconciliations.
• Prepare and reconcile general ledger accounts and close activities.
• Develop forecasts and assist with annual operating budgets.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Reconciliation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

Tools

ERP software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Accountant Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of Penn State Berkey Creamery's financial operations through the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), sound accounting practices, and internal controls. This position analyzes, reconciles, and reports financial information while supporting strategic financial planning through budgeting, forecasting, revenue reconciliation, and financial analysis. The accountant prepares financial statements and reports for internal leadership, oversees accounting processes, and supervises financial staff to ensure efficient, compliant, and timely financial operations. This role requires a strong understanding of enterprise financial software systems, accounting technologies, and reporting tools to manage financial data, improve operational efficiency, and support informed decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Financial Accounting, Reconciliation, and Reporting

   • Analyze financial records, transactions, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University policies, and applicable regulations.
   • Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue reconciliations to ensure the accuracy and completeness of revenue recognition, cash receipts, auxiliary operations, and other Creamery revenue sources.
   • Prepare, review, and reconcile general ledger accounts, investigate accounting discrepancies, and coordinate month-end and fiscal year-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and required financial reporting.
   • Prepare and analyze financial statements, management reports, financial analyses, and performance metrics to identify financial trends, operational risks, and opportunities for improved efficiency.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning

   • Develop financial forecasts and assist with annual operating budgets, budget monitoring, variance analysis, and long‑term financial planning.
   • Monitor departmental revenues and expenditures, evaluate financial performance, and recommend strategies to improve fiscal stewardship, cost controls, and operational effectiveness.

3. Financial Operations and Systems Management

   • Ensure the proper classification and coding of revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and fund activity within the University's enterprise financial management system.
   • Review, approve, and post invoices and process payments through ACH, wire transfers, checks, and virtual card transactions while collaborating with Treasury to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial operations.
   • Utilize enterprise financial software systems and reporting tools to perform reconciliations, generate financial reports, analyze data, and identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and operational efficiencies.

4. Compliance, Internal Controls, and Process Improvement

   • Interpret and apply GAAP, University policies, federal and state regulations, IRS guidance, and applicable tax regulations to ensure compliance.
   • Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and responding to audit inquiries.
   • Maintain and strengthen internal controls that safeguard assets, promote accurate financial reporting, mitigate financial risk, and ensure compliance with established accounting policies.
   • Recommend and implement process improvements, accounting best practices, and system enhancements that improve efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise two or more full-time employees or the equivalent combination of part-time or student staff.
• Assign, prioritize, and review work to ensure compliance with accounting standards and departmental objectives.
• Provide coaching, training, and ongoing performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and accountable work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, governmental, or nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with enterprise financial management systems.
• Experience preparing financial statements and supporting annual audits.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and revenue reconciliation.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial software systems, accounting applications, spreadsheets, and financial reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate findings to both financial and non‑financial audiences.
• Knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience performing financial reconciliations and complex account analysis.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and staff development skills.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Financial Analysis
• Revenue Reconciliation
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Data Analysis and Data Modeling
• Financial Reporting
• Regulatory Compliance
• Internal Controls
• Enterprise Financial Systems
• Leadership and Staff Supervision

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State’s salary structure

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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For 160 years, the Penn State Berkey Creamery has been providing high-quality, delicious dairy products to the Penn State community and beyond. The Berkey Creamery store is located at Penn State University Park Campus and is a unit within the College of Agricultural Sciences. There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.