Financial Shared Services Associate - AP/Travel Expense team

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 36,888 - 58,836; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Flexible work arrangement

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Financial Shared Services Associate to act as a central point of contact for processing and coordinating financial transactions for assigned units. This role supports Accounts Payable and Travel Expense functions, ensuring timely and compliant execution while maintaining accurate records.

The position blends remote and on-campus work, typically requiring 1–2 days in the office weekly.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Excellent customer service abilities and responsiveness are essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality for sensitive financial data.

Responsibilities

• Serve as central hub for Accounts Payable and Travel Expense teams.
• Process non-PO invoice payments, travel expense reports, and P-Card reconciliations.
• Review transactions for compliance with policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Reconcile discrepancies and investigate anomalies or errors.
• Execute financial approvals and maintain transaction records.
• Assist with audits by providing documentation and reports.
• Provide training to new staff and support unit teams.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Decision making

Organization

Problem solving

Education

GED or HS

Associate degree or higher preferred

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Financial Shared Services Associate serves as a central point of contact for processing and coordinating financial transactions on behalf of assigned University units; supports the Accounts Payable and Travel Expense functions; ensures timely, accurate, and compliant execution of financial processes. Financial Shared Services Associates are aligned to specific units across the University to ensure personalized and consistent support.

• Serve as a central hub member for the Accounts Payable and Travel Expense team
• Receive and process unit requests for non-purchase order (PO) invoice payments, travel expense reports, and purchase card reconciliation transactions
• Review all financial transactions for compliance with University policies, procedures, documentation standards, and regulatory guidelines
• Reconcile discrepancies and investigate transactional anomalies or errors
• Execute financial approvals on designated transactions
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date transaction records in financial systems
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing transaction documentation and reports
• Maintain alignment and communication with specific unit teams to ensure accurate and responsive support
• Provide excellent customer service to internal stakeholders through clear communication and timely issue resolution; assist in monitoring internal and external customer satisfaction
• Provide training to new staff members
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation in transaction workflows
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of financial data at all times
• May support and guide other staff members

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Typically requires 1-2 days in office per week. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The successful candidate must possess:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate with coworkers within and outside of the Procurement unit
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive documents and situations
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Effective decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities
• High level of accuracy in work and attention to detail

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Financial Shared Services Associate - Intermediate Support, this position requires:

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)

2+ years of relevant experience; A relevant associate degree or above may be accepted in lieu of experience

Required Certifications:

None

If filled as Financial Shared Services Associate - Support, this position requires:

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)

No prior relevant work experience required

Required Certifications:

None

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 $36,888.00 - $58,836.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the 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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