Financial Specialist - Ben Franklin Technology Partners

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• 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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

​

 

 

POSITION SPECIFICS​

For nearly 40 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania, Inc. (Ben Franklin/CNP) has been the largest early-stage investor and supporter of technology-based startup companies across 32 counties of central and northwestern Pennsylvania. Headquartered in State College 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 a higher quality of life for our region. Our portfolio spans 136+ companies—from pre-revenue ventures to rapidly scaling operations to companies navigating market challenges—across startup technology and entrepreneurial manufacturing sectors.

We are seeking an analytical, strategically minded Financial Specialist with deep experience of evaluating early-stage companies, forecasting growth-stage cash flows, and translating complex financial data into actionable insights to inform investment decisions.

In this role, you will work alongside a team of Portfolio Managers and subject-matter experts to conduct rigorous financial due diligence, develop financial models, monitor portfolio company health, and provide the financial intelligence that shapes Ben Franklin/CNP's investment strategy and board-level decisions. If you have built your career analyzing startups, managing venture portfolios, or helping high-growth companies navigate burn rates and capital allocation, this is your opportunity to own the financial narrative for an entire portfolio of transformational companies.

This position is based in our State College, PA office. This is not a remote work position.

This role will be filled at the Financial Specialist - Principal Professional or Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

The Role: Why This Opportunity Matters: As a Financial Analyst at Ben Franklin/CNP, you will serve as a trusted financial advisor and strategic influencer on our investment committee. Unlike traditional corporate finance roles where analysis flows upward through hierarchies, you will work directly with Portfolio Managers, operational experts, and our leadership team to evaluate the financial health and investment potential of companies across our portfolio. Your financial models, due diligence findings, and cash flow forecasts will directly inform investment decisions and shape organizational financial strategy. You will have visibility into board-level discussions, contribute to financial policy development, and help refine rigorous frameworks that ensure sound decision-making across a diverse and dynamic portfolio. Your work impacts not only investment returns, but the success of our growing portfolio of companies—and the jobs and innovations they create across central Pennsylvania.

Core Responsibilities:

• Investment Due Diligence and Financial Analysis - You will conduct comprehensive financial due diligence on prospective portfolio companies, evaluating early-stage ventures that may be pre-revenue, partially funded, or preparing for Series A/B financing. This includes analyzing three-year financial projections, cash flow statements, burn rate analyses, revenue models, and capital requirements. You will examine business models, assess unit economics, identify financial risks and opportunities, and prepare detailed financial analyses that present your findings and recommendations to the investment committee. You will also conduct financial reviews of acquisition, merger, or secondary investment opportunities, analyzing the highest and best return-on-investment potential. Your analysis will include evaluating manufacturing operational efficiency metrics where relevant, and you will develop standardized due diligence frameworks and checklists to enhance consistency and rigor across all investment evaluations.

• Portfolio Company Financial Health Monitoring and Advisory - You will maintain ongoing visibility into the financial performance and capital position of portfolio companies, identifying early warning signals of financial distress, runway constraints, or scaling opportunities. You will track burn rates, cash runway, funding milestones, and compliance with financial covenants or reporting requirements. Where portfolio companies are underperforming financially or facing cash constraints, you will work with Portfolio Managers and company leadership to analyze root causes, model scenarios, and recommend corrective actions. You will provide financial guidance and advisory recommendations to help portfolio companies improve forecasting, optimize working capital, manage burn rates effectively, and prepare for future fundraising rounds. Where appropriate, you will help portfolio companies understand key financial metrics specific to their industry (whether technology or manufacturing) and benchmark performance against comparable companies at similar stages.

• Financial Reporting, Forecasting, and Internal Analytics - You will prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial forecasts, reports, and analyses for internal use by Ben Franklin/CNP leadership and our board of directors. This includes portfolio performance summaries, investment pipeline analyses, cash flow forecasts, variance reports, and trend analyses that identify patterns or emerging risks across the portfolio. You will develop ad hoc financial models and analytical tools as needed to support strategic decision-making. You will work with portfolio companies to improve the timeliness and quality of their financial reporting, establishing expectations, providing templates, and conducting reviews to ensure data consistency and accuracy. You will verify funding sources to ensure appropriate spending and billing practices; analyze and monitor spending against restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure compliance with requirements. You will maintain a centralized database of portfolio company financials, ensuring records are organized, auditable, and readily accessible for internal review or external audit.

• Operational and Administrative Responsibilities - You will prepare and manage project and grant-specific budgets. You will track and report on grants, contracts, and program expenditures. You will perform data entry and database management related to portfolio company financials and investments, maintain accurate records of financial transactions and supporting documentation, and assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions as needed. You will support the annual independent audit process by creating and maintaining documentation that enables external auditors to verify financial accuracy and compliance. You will attend staff meetings and board meetings as appropriate, remaining fully prepared to provide financial analysis, answer questions, and respond to requests for additional data or analysis. You will handle sensitive financial information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality of proprietary company data and investment deliberations.

• Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives - You will assist in the preparation and compilation of periodic forecasts and budget processes for Ben Franklin/CNP operations. You will prepare financial summaries, specialized reports, and presentations for board review. You will support regulatory reporting requirements as directed. You will participate in special projects that support organizational financial strategy, operational cost savings and/or improvements, or portfolio company financial health initiatives as assigned by leadership. You will assist in financial training for administrative staff and ensure compliance with the university’s policies, procedures, and financial requirements.

Skills and Experience: Direct experience in any four of the below areas:

• Analyzing and evaluating early-stage or startup companies for investment potential
• Conducting financial due diligence on venture capital or private equity investments
• Managing or monitoring a portfolio of early-stage company investments
• Forecasting and managing cash flow, burn rate, and capital runway for growth-stage companies
• Financial analysis and advisory work in technology or manufacturing sectors
• Building financial models for valuation, scenario analysis, or investment decision-making
• Working with early-stage company founders or financial leadership to improve financial management practices
• Conducting financial audits or supporting audit processes for private companies or non-academic entities

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Financial Analysis and Modeling - Exceptional ability to build, interpret, and communicate complex financial models. Proficiency in spreadsheet applications (Excel) at an expert level, including the ability to synthesize data into executive-level management reports. Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial statements, cash flow analysis, and valuation methodologies.

• Business Acumen - Strong business orientation and entrepreneurial mindset. Ability to understand business models, competitive dynamics, market opportunities, and operational challenges. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to think strategically about the financial implications of business decisions.

• Due Diligence and Risk Assessment - Demonstrated experience conducting financial due diligence on early-stage or growth companies. Ability to assess financial risks, identify red flags, and evaluate capital requirements and runway. Comfort working with incomplete or inconsistent financial data and making reasonable assumptions to complete analysis.

• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement - Exceptional ability to communicate complex financial and technical information in clear, simple language to diverse audiences (company founders, Portfolio Managers, board members) with varying levels of financial sophistication. Demonstrated skill in translating analysis into actionable business recommendations. Strong written, oral, and digital communication skills.

• Collaboration and Influence - Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment and forge strong working relationships across a diverse management team. Skill in influencing decisions through analysis and recommendations rather than formal authority. Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to Portfolio Managers and company leadership.

• Independence and Judgment - Ability to work independently on complex assignments and exercise prudent professional judgment in the absence of direct supervision. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent analytical projects.

• Technology Proficiency - Day-one expert-level proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). High comfort with database systems and the ability to learn new software tools quickly.

• Trustworthiness and Confidentiality - Absolute commitment to maintaining confidentiality of sensitive financial information and investment deliberations. Demonstrated integrity and professional judgment in handling proprietary business information.

Desired Experience and Background: The ideal candidate will bring direct experience working with venture capital, private equity, or early-stage startup investment environments. Experience analyzing and advising manufacturing companies on financial metrics, operational efficiency, and capital allocation is particularly valued. Familiarity with term sheets, equity structures, and investment-stage financing is a plus. Prior experience supporting portfolio monitoring, investment due diligence, or financial advisory services in a growth-capital context is highly desirable.

Why Join Ben Franklin/CNP?

This is an opportunity to have a measurable impact on a growing portfolio of companies and the thousands of jobs and innovations they create. Unlike corporate finance roles where your analysis supports predictable business operations, you will work in a dynamic environment where no two companies—and no two days—are alike. You will develop deep financial expertise across diverse business models, industries, and growth stages. You will have autonomy to shape financial strategies and recommendations that directly influence investment decisions and board discussions. You will work alongside passionate, mission-driven professionals who are committed to building prosperity and opportunity across central Pennsylvania. And you will join an organization that has invested in regional economic development for nearly 40 years, knowing that your financial insights will help launch the next generation of transformational companies.

To learn more about Ben Franklin/CNP and our portfolio companies, visit us at https://cnp.benfranklin.org/

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Financial Specialist - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Financial Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $115,100.00.

 

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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines