Office of Finance Units

We strive to consistently meet the demands of our customers in a timely and efficient manner. Accounting Operations delivers the service. We look forward to being of assistance to you.

The Office of the Bursar is responsible for maintaining student accounts pertaining to tuition billing, acceptance fees, charges, payments, posting of financial aid*, and refunds of excess funds, when available.

Cost Analysis is primarily responsible for the preparation, submission and negotiation of the University’s Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rates and Fringe Benefits Rates. The department also coordinates and supports Government audit reviews, cost compliance, Disclosure Statement changes and University charge out rates.

The Financial Information Systems (FIS) department at The Pennsylvania State University strives to serve the needs of the financial users throughout the University and the employees of Office of Budget and Finance. Our primary roles are to provide analysis and programming support for financial applications and to provide computers for the Office of Budget and Finance staff located in James M. Elliott Building, Rider II Building, Shields Building, and Old Main. We also provide some training in various financial applications. The FIS team strives to provide exceptional customer support to all aspects of our services. We continually look for opportunities to streamline processes with automated procedures to assist with making the central operations of the University more efficient.

The Financial Reporting department at The Pennsylvania State University serves to assist with certain external and internal financial reporting requirements. Our primary roles are to provide assistance with certain audits of the University and interface with the external auditors to facilitate the timely and efficient completion of audit procedures and the resulting reports. 

Penn State Human Resources strives to deliver HR solutions that attract, retain, and engage a diverse workforce, contributing to the University's mission as a world leader in higher education. The HR staff in the Office of Finance work to provide oversight and advice on HR-related matters for the office.

The Payroll department is responsible for processing payroll payments and withholdings for all employees of The Pennsylvania State University. Our goal is to provide excellent customer service, pay our employees correctly and in a timely fashion.

Property Inventory is responsible for the recording, inventorying and reporting of all capital plant assets of the University. This includes land, buildings, improvements other than buildings (infrastructure) and equipment. We also maintain equipment inventory and facility files in SIMBA. Property Inventory prepares and submits Government Property Reports. We act as the primary interface with Government on all Government Furnished, Acquired or Owned Equipment. We also act as the liaison with property auditors and provide guidance to departments, faculty and staff regarding issues related to property administration and government property regulations.

The Research Accounting Office at The Pennsylvania State University strives to serve the needs of both the research departments and the sponsoring agencies. Our primary role is to invoice sponsored projects in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner. Please feel free to contact us if there is some way we can assist you!!

Design of University business systems and processes to ensure proper controls and operational effectiveness. Provide consultation to University administration and staff regarding the use of, or problem resolvement of, University business systems and processes. Documentation and dissemination of information pertaining to University business systems and processes. Provide information systems that support the policies and business processes of the University, and the mission of Systems and Procedures

Penn State’s Treasury Office facilitates the cash management and banking functions of the University by following proper treasury principles in order to protect University assets and manage the University’s operating liquidity to ensure financial obligations are met. The Treasury Office is responsible for the accounting of the University’s investments and the financial aspects of charitable gifts. In addition, we have oversight of the University's capital funding and budgeting to support the University's capital plan

The Financial Officer (FO) position was authorized by a resolution of the Board of Trustees in 1965 to provide financial and budgetary service to each major administrative division of the University. Although the Financial Officers are responsible to the Associate Vice President for Finance, they are located throughout the University Park campus as well as at Penn State campuses throughout the Commonwealth. A document entitled "The Role of the Financial Officer at Penn State" has been developed to provide an overview of the responsibilities of this position and its unique role at Penn State.

Financial Officers work closely with the Budget Executives of the colleges, campuses, and/or administrative divisions they serve. However, direct supervision is by the Assistant Controller, University Financial Officers.

The mission of the University Financial Officers is:

To provide financial and budgeting services to the assigned administrative area(s), while maintaining prudent fiscal controls through adherence to University policies and procedures.

Providing exceptional customer service to the administrative area is critical to the success of the Financial Officer, but must be done within the context of fiscal controls. The Financial Officer is the representative of the Associate Vice President for Finance in each area and, as such, must always adhere to policies and procedures. The successful Financial Officer is a professional who is respected for both service and control.

As the University faces tighter financial resources, effective budget management becomes more critical. The University Financial Officers provide the professional financial management that budget executives rely on to effectively manage the administrative area's budget. In addition, by maintaining controls within that area, the Financial Officer assures that the fiscal integrity of the unit is maintained. Through service and control, the University Financial Officers make a strong contribution to the mission of the University.