Financial Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off including holidays, vaca

Sick time

Job summary

The Penn State College of Medicine, Controller's Office in Hershey, PA, is seeking a Financial Specialist, Principal Professional to oversee budget, fiscal, operational, and compliance-related financial activities across Medical Education and related programs.

This role develops executive-level reports, dashboards, and presentations to support strategic decision-making and collaborates with leadership, faculty, and administrative staff to ensure effective financial stewardship in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Strong financial management and analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable insights for leadership.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to identify risks and propose improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to convey complex financial information to senior leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile and manage ledger and clearing accounts while ensuring policy compliance.
• Compile and analyze financial and operational data for forecasting and planning.
• Prepare executive-level financial reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Support labor planning, budget preparation, forecasting across Medical Education programs.
• Maintain financial controls and reporting structures to support compliance.
• Review and approve financial transactions, journal vouchers, and expenses.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic guidance to leadership.
• Support audit, compliance, and year-end financial activities.
• Coordinate financial reporting for academic programs and student services.
• Oversee financial staff workflows and guidance for the business area.

Skills

Financial management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Integrity / confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Controller's Office, in Hershey, PA, is seeking a Financial Specialist, Principal Professional to support the Medical Education business area by providing strategic oversight of budget, fiscal, operational, and compliance-related financial activities. This position supports leadership through financial planning, forecasting, executive reporting, operational analysis, and financial management across a complex academic and medical education enterprise.

This role oversees financial operations associated with an approved business area budget of approximately $34.5M across nine academic, student, and administrative areas, including Medical Education, Student Affairs, University Park Medical Campus, Library, Human Structure, Physician Assistant Program, Simulation Center, Global Health, and Continuing Education. The position supports diverse financial activities associated with educational programs, student and academic services, faculty and staff funding, gifts and endowments, and other operational resources supporting the College of Medicine's educational mission.

This position serves as a key financial resource to leadership and is responsible for budget preparation, forecasting, labor planning, financial analysis, executive reporting, compliance oversight, and operational support. The role develops executive-level reports, dashboards, and presentations to support strategic decision-making and collaborates with academic and program leadership, faculty, staff, and central administrative offices to ensure effective financial stewardship and operational continuity across the Medical Education business area.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

The successful candidate will:

• Reconcile and manage ledger and clearing accounts; resolve complex financial issues and ensure compliance with University policies.
• Compile and analyze financial and operational data for forecasting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and executive reporting.
• Prepare executive-level financial reports, dashboards, presentations, and operational analyses for leadership.
• Support labor planning, budget preparation, forecasting, and operational financial management activities across Medical Education programs and units.
• Maintain financial controls, operational procedures, and reporting structures to support compliance and efficient operations.
• Review and approve financial transactions, journal vouchers, correcting entries, and business expenses as appropriate.
• Provide financial analysis, operational forecasting, and strategic guidance to academic and administrative leadership.
• Support audit, compliance accreditation-related, and year-end financial activities across the business area.
• Coordinate financial reporting and operational support activities associated with academic programs, student services, and other Medical Education initiatives.
• Provide oversight, workflow coordination, and guidance for financial staff supporting the business area.

Required skills and experience:

• Strong financial management and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial and operational data and translate it into actionable insights and recommendations for leadership.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and reporting requirements simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, including the capacity to identify financial and operational risks, resolve complex issues, and develop and recommend process improvements.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information and effectively collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, academic and administrative staff, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive financial information with professionalism and integrity.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 $81,312.00 - $122,016.00.

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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