Government Property Accountant

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. 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.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Budget and Finance invites applications for a Government Property Accountant (Accountant - Intermediate Professional) to join the Asset Management Team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate valuation, capitalization, recording, and reporting of University assets, with a strong emphasis on Department of Defense (DoD), federally funded, and grant-supported assets.

The Accountant supports the University's fiduciary responsibilities related to federal investments, ensuring compliance with asset accountability, allowability, audit readiness, and closeout requirements across sponsored and non-sponsored funding sources.

Primary Responsibilities - Accounting, Assets & Compliance

• Analyze financial gifts and acquisitions documentation to ensure accurate and proper capitalization, including recording, distribution, and follow-up in support of accurate financial and grant reporting.
• Capitalize gifts and asset purchases in accordance with University policy and federal requirements, including accurate posting of values to Government Furnished Property, GFP.
• Perform federal property closeout certificates. Analyze and resolve expense discrepancies to ensure allowability and completeness of costs associated with defense-related and sponsored projects.
• Responsible for reviewing, interpreting and applying new federal acquisition regulations to the University's procedures and policies.
• Prepare and submit disposition requests to Department of Defense's (DoD) Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) system, supporting DoD and federal property accountability and lifecycle documentation requirements.
• Conduct asset tagging and inventory activities, supporting physical accountability and audit readiness for grant-funded and restricted assets.
• Generate detailed DoD financial property reports for University leadership and for Office of Naval Research (ONR) & other DoD Property Management System Analysis audits.
• Oversee department's annual budget reconciliation, order office supplies and maintain responsibility for the department's purchasing card usage.
• Review and analyze SAP Ariba purchase requisitions, assign proper asset classification to ensure correct capitalization depreciation assignments, and federal allowability.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Provide support for monthly settlement of Assets Under Construction (AUCs).
• Provide support for the monthly depreciation run.
• Assist with lease evaluation and capitalization.
• Assist with milestone monitoring and capitalization.
• Serve as an audit liaison supporting asset, federal, and DoD-related audits.
• Provide support for asset transfer forms.

Required Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills in complex funding and compliance environments.
• Collaborative and flexible decision-making style.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while managing multiple priorities.

Compliance & Work Requirements

• Successful Department of Defense background investigation within six months of hire.
• 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree1+ 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 $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.

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 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.

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