[Remote] Accountant

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accountant to join their Financial Reporting and Analysis Department. This role involves managing financial reporting and reconciliation activities, preparing financial analyses for leadership, and supporting various finance and accounting functions.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly financial reporting and reconciliation activities, including Net Funded Sponsored Awards (NFSA), cost centers, cost share funding, and “Sister Account” post‑award reporting
• Prepare and analyze workforce, utilization, LOE, deficit, backlog, and other core financial reports for senior leadership; maintain supporting documentation and update internal sites as needed
• Oversee reporting and reconciliation for ARL service centers, including hours validation and direct support to service center managers
• Ensure accurate application of burden rates, and perform grant reconciliations
• Prepare and submit monthly CDRL 003 Government Use reports
• Support cross-functional finance and accounting activities, including labor, purchasing card, account reconciliations, and strategic planning
• Conduct advanced analysis of historical and operational data to develop recommendations that improve process efficiency and enhance financial reporting capabilities

Skills

• Financial reconciliation and related processes
• Proven success developing and delivering accurate reports that support analysis and senior leadership decision‑making
• Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated strength in problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and organizational skills
• Success with collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Success expressing ideas verbally and written to drive understanding
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast‑paced environment and work independently with minimal supervision
• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply
• Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen
• Government and industrial grants and contracts
• Penn State ACES course
• Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Outlook
• Commercial Enterprise Resource Planning systems, such as SAP or Oracle e-Business Suite
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

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