[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.ResponsibilitiesManage monthly financial reporting and reconciliation activities, including Net Funded Sponsored Awards (NFSA), cost centers, cost share funding, and “Sister Account” post‑award reportingPrepare and analyze workforce, utilization, LOE, deficit, backlog, and other core financial reports for senior leadership; maintain supporting documentation and update internal sites as neededOversee reporting and reconciliation for ARL service centers, including hours validation and direct support to service center managersEnsure accurate application of burden rates, and perform grant reconciliationsPrepare and submit monthly CDRL 003 Government Use reportsSupport cross-functional finance and accounting activities, including labor, purchasing card, account reconciliations, and strategic planningConduct advanced analysis of historical and operational data to develop recommendations that improve process efficiency and enhance financial reporting capabilitiesSkillsFinancial reconciliation and related processesProven success developing and delivering accurate reports that support analysis and senior leadership decision‑makingMicrosoft ExcelDemonstrated strength in problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and organizational skillsSuccess with collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culturesSuccess expressing ideas verbally and written to drive understandingAbility to adapt quickly in a fast‑paced environment and work independently with minimal supervisionBachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedAll 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 investigationYou must be a U.S. citizen to applyEmployment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screenGovernment and industrial grants and contractsPenn State ACES courseMicrosoft Word, Power Point, and OutlookCommercial Enterprise Resource Planning systems, such as SAP or Oracle e-Business SuiteCurrent 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 requiredBenefitsCompetitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-beingComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageRobust retirement plansSubstantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick timeGenerous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and childrenCompany OverviewThe Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. It was founded in 1945, and is headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.arl.psu.edu.