Financial Specialist - The Center for Advancing Health Equity in Rural and Underserved Communities

Penn State University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Penn State College of Medicine is looking for a Financial Specialist to manage accounting tasks, analyze financial reports, and maintain the General Ledger. This position requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience, mainly in non-profit university settings. The role is based in Chicago and involves working closely with leadership to enhance financial management and reporting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years related experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Detail-oriented and analytical skills needed.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Entering invoices, processing checks, and mailing payments.
• Reconciliation of checking and investment accounts.
• Maintaining the General Ledger in QuickBooks.

Skills

Non-profit accounting

Financial statement preparation

Accounts payable/receivable

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

QuickBooks

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

+ CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday (https://www.myworkday.com/psu/d/inst/13102!CK5mGhIKBggDEMenAhIICgYI1A0Q1...) to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...). Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

+ CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not previously employed at the university) seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...). Please do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

+ If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf).

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State College of Medicine, Center for Advancing Health Equity in Rural and Underserved Communities (CAHE-RUC), is seeking a Financial Specialist.

This position will be based in Chicago, IL. The Center is a partnership committed to evaluating and implementing community-level strategies to improve health outcomes for rural and underserved communities, with locations in Chicago and Hershey.

The College of Medicine, along with Penn State Health and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, aims to enhance quality of life through health improvements, professional training, and research. Penn State College of Medicine is part of an academic medical group serving 29 counties in central Pennsylvania.

The Financial Specialist will work closely with leadership to analyze reports, project trends, interpret financial statements, coordinate audits and budgeting, and evaluate accounting software and procedures. The role requires experience in non-profit university settings, handling confidential information, and excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities include:

1. Entering invoices, processing checks, and mailing payments.
2. Reconciling checking and investment accounts.
3. Maintaining the General Ledger in QuickBooks.
4. Managing payroll and related payments.
5. Preparing financial reports for the board and teams.
6. Handling tax forms, year-end close, and audits.
7. Recording donations and managing grant budgets and reporting.
8. Collaborating on program budgets and monitoring expenses.
9. Performing post-award accounting functions and managing funds in financial systems.

Required competencies include knowledge of non-profit accounting, experience with accounts payable/receivable, financial statement preparation, and strong communication skills. The candidate should be detail-oriented, analytical, and able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years related experience or equivalent education and experience

Preferred qualifications include a degree in accounting and non-profit experience. Employment requires successful background checks.

The salary range is $61,800 to $89,600. Additional salary structure details are available here.

The university is committed to diversity and inclusion and provides equal employment opportunities. Background checks are required for employment. More information on campus security and legal notices is provided in the links.