Assistant Controller for Financial Operations

Pennsylvania State University - State College, PA

Full-time - Senior

State College, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Controller for Financial Operations at Penn State's Office of Budget and Finance is a senior accounting role responsible for overseeing critical financial activities. This position requires extensive knowledge of accounting principles and practices, as well as the ability to manage and improve financial systems and processes. The Assistant Controller will report to the University Controller and will play a key role in financial reporting, cost accounting, and project management within the university's financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Cost Analysis and Payroll departments.
• Oversee cost accounting, including preparation of group insurance and benefits schedules and forecasts for federal rate submission and annual budget development.
• Co-own month-end accounting close processes.
• Maintain and reconfigure financial systems, improve operational processes, and report on performance.
• Involve in monthly internal reporting and design various dashboards and KPIs.
• Lead the development and roll-out of accounting-related training sessions and materials.
• Serve as a resource for special or ad hoc projects benefiting the Office of Budget and Finance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• CPA license required, with public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience required, with significant experience in higher education finance preferred.
• Extensive accounting skills and knowledge of financial best practices and internal controls.
• High level of project management skills for large, complex projects.
• Experience in creating dashboards, reports, templates, and tools for finance employees.
• High level of communication and diplomacy skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in financial systems implementation preferred.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance requirements and experience with federal sponsors preferred.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangement combining remote and on-campus work.