Research Financial Compliance Analyst - FACO

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO) seeks a Research Financial Compliance Analyst to support its $1.4B+ research enterprise through expert financial analysis, post-award compliance oversight, proactive award monitoring, and collaboration across colleges, campuses, and central units.

The role requires access to sensitive data and adherence to US government contracting requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with post-award research administration and compliance.
• Experience leading closeout activities and resolving barriers.
• Ability to validate and quality-check complex financial data.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide post-award compliance advisory and interpret sponsor requirements.
• Collaborate with colleges, campuses, and central units to ensure compliant practices.
• Liaise with audits and coordinate responses through resolution.
• Monitor financial and compliance indicators and report findings.
• Automate monitoring processes using Excel and Python.

Skills

Post-award compliance

Financial analysis

Labor costs analysis

Excel proficiency

Python scripting

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Audit coordination

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power Query

PivotTables

VBA

Python

Job description

The 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.

Since the position requires access to sensitive data and is subject to US government contracting requirements, candidates must be US Citizens.

This position will be filled at the Advanced Professional OR Senior Professional level , based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Post-Award Compliance and Advisory Support
  1. Serve as a trusted advisor on sponsored project administration, interpreting sponsor requirements, University policy, and applicable federal and state regulations
  2. Partner with college, campus, and unit leadership to promote consistent, compliant post-award practices
  3. Act as liaison for internal and external audits, reviews, and investigations; coordinate responses and track findings through resolution and remediation
  4. Lead closeout compliance efforts by advising on timelines, sponsor requirements, and risk mitigation for end-dated awards
  5. Contribute to documentation and governance of post-audit and process changes to support institutional learning and consistency
• Financial Analysis, Monitoring, and Reporting
  1. Monitor financial and compliance indicators (including labor and payroll) to identify risk and recommend mitigation strategies
  2. Conduct account reconciliations; validate data and prepare accurate financial and compliance reports
  3. Analyze complex financial issues such as labor distribution, cost transfers, budgeting challenges, and cost share commitments
  4. Support timely award closeout by identifying at-risk transactions (labor, encumbrances, subaward invoices) and coordinating resolution with unit and central partners
  5. Review end-of-award activity for common closeout drivers and ensure resolution prior to sponsor deadlines
  6. Generate and interpret standard and ad hoc reports, translating results into actionable guidance and risk narratives
• Data Analysis, Automation, and Risk Identification
  1. Design, automate, and maintain repeatable financial and compliance monitoring processes
  2. Apply advanced Excel techniques (complex formulas, Power Query, PivotTables, VBA/macros) and Python or similar tools to automate analysis and reporting
  3. Identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks within large datasets
  4. Document analytical logic, assumptions, and data sources to support audit defensibility and institutional knowledge
• Training, Collaboration and Process Improvement
  1. Develop and deliver training and educational resources for post-award administrators and stakeholders, including unit-specific sessions
  2. Translate complex financial and compliance concepts into clear, accessible guidance
  3. Collaborate with Research Administrators, Strategic Finance Partner Teams, Research Accounting, Internal Audit, and the Office of Budget and Finance
  4. Identify systemic risks and recommend standardized procedures to strengthen internal controls, compliance, and operational effectiveness
  5. Support University-wide initiatives and prepare special analyses or briefings for senior leadership and external agencies as needed

Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of post-award research administration and sponsored project compliance, particularly 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
• Ex