Chief Financial Officer and Director of Business Services

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• 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University is one of the leading research universities in the nation with an overall annual revenue of over $10 billion and over $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures. Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) generates approximately $400M in annual revenue, employs 1,600 staff, and serves as a DoD-designated UARC (University Affiliated Research Center). As a UARC, ARL conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nation's priorities, free from conflict of interest or competition with industry. ARL supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application.

This position performs the role of ARL Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Business Services, driving business services strategy and operations by providing vision and leadership for developing and implementing business services solutions that align with the mission of ARL and the University.

You will have overall responsibility for a staff of over 90 employees providing proposal development, contract negotiation, contract administration, subcontract administration, procurement, property inventory, program finance, financial planning and analysis, accounting systems, accounts payable, contract closeout accounting, accounts receivable/cash management, and travel / labor accounting.

You will also oversee business functions: Financial management and reporting; budgeting and implementation of budgets; development of business intelligence; development of systems for internal control to ensure compliance with University policies and federal regulations; financial cost recording compliant with audit requirements; business related policies, procedures, processes, and administration; and development of system requirements to meet future reporting enhancements.

Responsibilities include:

Strategy, Planning, and Financial Management

• Partner with the other members of the ARL senior leadership team to deliver financial and contractual management solutions in support of the ARL research mission

• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of ARL as a member of the senior leadership team

• Participate in strategic and operational business planning, researching current business trends, fostering innovation, and prioritizing and driving initiatives

• Develop strong relationships with government representatives responsible for UARC oversight and internal cost controls

• Develop, enhance, and oversee business financial management controls to ensure successful and compliant finance operations of ARL

• Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal and external entities

• Lead strategic and operational business planning to achieve ARL goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing business initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation of current and future business systems across the organization

• Develop and maintain an appropriate business organizational structure that supports the needs of the organization and effectively and efficiently serves research sponsors

• Grow, train, mentor, and maintain a business services workforce consistent with the organization's goals and objectives

• Stay current on emerging and changing federal regulations affecting ARL contracts and financial management

Operational Management

• Provide leadership and management of the ARL Business Services Organization to support the ARL research mission aligned with ARL and University policies and procedures

• Provide financial management for planning, direct contract, and internal overhead budgeting and performance, compliance, and internal controls

• Establish departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures for business services including assessment, recommendations for improvement, and implementation

• Oversee staff recruitment and retention, training and development, and performance management of all business services staff in accordance with ARL budgetary objectives and personnel policies

• Ensure quality delivery of business services, monitor performance, and adjust as needed

• Define and communicate strategies, plans, policies, and standards for business services

• Demonstrate awareness of broad issues and management trends, evaluate the impact of policy and procedure changes, and adjust accordingly

• Apply management principles to ensure optimal performance throughout the organization

• Ensure quality delivery of business services through communication with end-users and monitor business services performance

• Approve, prioritize, monitor, and control business projects

• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive business services program that is compliant with applicable federal and University standards consistent with industry best-practices

• Research current business trends and issues

• Coordinate and facilitate consultation with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations

Requirements:

• Success as a CFO or Deputy CFO, and financial management of a large organization, which includes leading the entire business enterprise

• Minimum of ten years proven success in a senior-level business management position

• Considerable knowledge of and experience with business theory, business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations

• Experience in strategic planning and execution

• Extensive experience in financial management of a large organization

• Proven success in senior-level business management, financial management, and strategic planning and execution

• Knowledge of commercial information technology business systems

• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to federal contracting

• Detailed knowledge of contract management and compliance

• Excellent understanding of project management principles

• Strong knowledge and experience with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

• Strong understanding and experience with human resource management principles, practices, and procedures

• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability leading teams through complex business issues and process improvement solutions

• Success in various office environments, where flexible forms of communication, leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills are crucial to be an effective leader

• You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), including a government administered polygraph examination; you must be able to obtain and maintain this clearance in order to be considered for this position

Preferred Areas (not mandatory to be considered):

• Master's degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field

• Previous experience in a Department of Defense (DoD) business environment with familiarity of federal contract management and accounting

• Detailed knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Cost Accounting Principles and 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance cost principles for educational institutions

• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; you will be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility to Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), including a government administered polygraph examination

Due to the financial or fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will also be required in addition to standard background checks.

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.

COMPENSATION:

This is a critically important appointment with appropriately competitive compensation.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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 814-865-1473.

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