JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

For nearly 40 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pa, Inc. (Ben Franklin/CNP) has been the largest early-stage investor and supporter of technology-based startup companies across the 32 counties of central and northwestern Pennsylvania. Headquartered in State College, and with offices in Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Johnstown, Ben Franklin/CNP’s high-risk, early-stage investments, along with robust management assistance, help local entrepreneurs launch startups and create jobs that achieve prosperity and higher quality of life for our region. Ben Franklin/CNP is an organization that operates under the umbrella of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research at Penn State .

We are currently searching for an astute and organized Accountant 2 who is fully capable of compiling, analyzing, verifying, and preparing financial records to ensure the lawful, efficient, and compliant business practices of Ben Franklin/CNP and also to offer best-practice financial analysis, advice, and guidance/recommendations to private-sector technology startups and entrepreneurial manufacturing companies in the Ben Franklin/CNP portfolio.

To begin with, this role will operate in an in-person mode. F lexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position, may be supported eventually based on performance. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.”

Roles and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Accountant works independently on complex assignments where they must leverage their knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), coupled with finely tuned critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve high-stakes accounting-based business problems.

A key measure of success in this role is being able to effectively communicate complex, technical, transactional, and accounting information in a simple way that results in business owners, managers, and advisors having a clear understanding of the best course of action they can take to minimize risk or maximize opportunity.

The Accountant provides direct, hands-on bookkeeping, accounting, and office practice services and training to our client companies and entrepreneurs. This person will travel to start-up companies across central and northwestern Pennsylvania and help our clients convert from operating with a “checkbook and a shoebox of receipts” to running a reliable, professional, accounting and bookkeeping system. Frequent day and occasional overnight travel to other Ben Franklin/CNP field offices throughout Pennsylvania is required.

Overall responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Recommends and implements best procedures to ensure uniform and efficient accounting practices, internal controls, and compliance with regulations and client-company policy.

• Provides leadership to clients in the design and implementation of control systems and procedural changes and is responsible for efficient coordination and effective delivery of all accounting services.

• Helps companies ensure the accuracy and timeliness of their external and internal reporting efforts associated with accounting, such as cost, financial, payroll, and tax information.

• Coordinates and supports the effective flow of accounting data through software systems such as QuickBooks and Sage in rapidly changing start-up environments.

• Provides financial and accounting data to the leadership, to make decisions.

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire, with an excellent possibility of re-funding.

Education and Experience : This position typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher plus two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor's degree in accounting or another business major is preferred.

The successful candidate should also have the following qualifications:

• A excellent working knowledge of GAAP procedures

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; must possess effective, persuasive, and compelling communication skills

• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and experience with accounting software, such as QuickBooks and/or Sage

• Outstanding attention to detail and time management skills are required, as are excellent critical thinking skills

• Analytical skills in accounting, finance, and business administration with demonstrated and professional management of information technology and change.

Experience and knowledge necessary to understand the accounting impacts of compliance with government regulations is desired but not required.

Application Instructions: Please attach a resume and short cover letter explaining your interest in this position.

Background Checks: This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

If you would like to learn more about what we do to help entrepreneurial companies grow and expand their footprint in central Pennsylvania and around the globe, check us out at https://cnp.benfranklin.org/ .

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/prospective-employee for more detailed information.

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