Financial Specialist

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. RESPONSIBILITIES 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. QUALIFICATIONS 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 Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required 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. BENEFITS 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. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Persuant 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. VALUES Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many. There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. #J-18808-Ljbffr Penn State