Research Financial Compliance Analyst – FACO

Overview

The Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO) is seeking a Research Financial Compliance Analyst to support a $1.4 billion+ research enterprise through expert financial analysis, post-award compliance oversight, proactive award monitoring, and collaborative partnerships across colleges, campuses, and central units. This position requires U.S. citizenship due to access to sensitive data and U.S. government contracting requirements.

The role will be filled at either the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional level, depending on the candidate's qualifications. It focuses on strengthening post-award administration by providing audit leadership, compliance advisory support, data-driven analysis, training, and process improvement to reduce financial and compliance risk institution-wide.

Responsibilities

Post-Award Compliance and Advisory Support

• Serve as a trusted advisor on sponsored project administration, interpreting sponsor requirements, university policy, and applicable federal and state regulations
• Partner with college, campus, and unit leadership to promote consistent, compliant post-award practices
• Act as liaison for internal and external audits, reviews, and investigations; coordinate responses and track findings through resolution and remediation
• Lead closeout compliance efforts by advising on timelines, sponsor requirements, and risk mitigation for end-dated awards
• Contribute to documentation and governance of post-audit and process changes to support institutional learning and consistency

Financial Analysis, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Monitor financial and compliance indicators (including labor and payroll) to identify risk and recommend mitigation strategies
• Conduct account reconciliations; validate data and prepare accurate financial and compliance reports
• Analyze complex financial issues such as labor distribution, cost transfers, budgeting challenges, and cost share commitments
• Support timely award closeout by identifying at-risk transactions (labor, encumbrances, subaward invoices) and coordinating resolution with unit and central partners
• Review end-of-award activity for common closeout drivers and ensure resolution prior to sponsor deadlines
• Generate and interpret standard and ad hoc reports, translating results into actionable guidance and risk narratives

Data Analysis, Automation, and Risk Identification

• Design, automate, and maintain repeatable financial and compliance monitoring processes
• Apply advanced Excel techniques (complex formulas, Power Query, PivotTables, VBA/macros) and Python or similar tools to automate analysis and reporting
• Identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks within large datasets
• Document analytical logic, assumptions, and data sources to support audit defensibility and institutional knowledge

Training, Collaboration, and Process Improvement

• Develop and deliver training and educational resources for post-award administrators and stakeholders, including unit-specific sessions
• Translate complex financial and compliance concepts into clear, accessible guidance
• Collaborate with Research Administrators, Strategic Finance Partner Teams, Research Accounting, Internal Audit, and the Office of Budget and Finance
• Identify systemic risks and recommend standardized procedures to strengthen internal controls, compliance, and operational effectiveness
• Support university-wide initiatives and prepare special analyses or briefings for senior leadership and external agencies as needed

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Strong knowledge of post-award research administration and sponsored project compliance, particularly financial analysis and labor costs
• Demonstrated experience with award closeout activities and leading coordinated resolution of closeout barriers
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to structure, validate, and quality-check complex financial data
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Python or similar scripting tools preferred
• Excellent accounting, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly explain analytical results and compliance implications to diverse audiences
• Experience with enterprise systems such as SIMBA (SAP/S/4HANA) and Workday preferred

Education and Experience

• Senior Professional level: Bachelor's degree plus 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Advanced Professional level: Bachelor's degree plus 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• No required certifications

Work Arrangement

• Eligible for 100% remote work within eligible U.S. states
• Option to work onsite at the University Park campus or hybrid model in consultation with manager
• Standard work hours follow Eastern Time Zone
• Remote employees may be required to travel to University Park for specific activities

Background Checks and Employment Eligibility

• Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) per university policies
• The employer does not sponsor or transfer sponsorship for staff employment visas
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $65,508.00 - $108,444.00, depending on level and qualifications
• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees and eligible spouses and children

Location

• Position is based at University Park campus with remote work options within eligible U.S. states

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity employer 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. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application process.