Tara Kenner
Upper Darby,PA
Summary
Analytical and detail-oriented Financial Analyst with 20+ years of experience driving financial planning, reporting, and administrative operations in higher education and healthcare. Skilled at translating complex financial data into actionable insights, optimizing budgets, and ensuring compliance with institutional and funding requirements. Recognized for strong problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to streamline processes that enhance efficiency and support strategic decision-making.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Administrative Coordinator
The University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, OID Dept.
01.2012 - Current
- Partner with department leadership to manage quarterly and annual budget planning, delivering in-depth monthly financial reports with actionable variance analysis.
- Prepare and reconcile expenses, invoices, and journals across departmental accounts, ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.
- Manage financial tracking for faculty research platforms (MTurk, TurkPrime, Prolific) with detailed allocation and reporting.
- Oversee grant applications through PennERA, ensuring timely submission and adherence to funding regulations.
- Review and approve IRB submissions, aligning research budgets with compliance standards.
- Administer faculty and PhD student reimbursements, vendor invoices, and guest speaker payments, maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
- Optimize resource management through procurement and inventory control, aligning departmental needs with budgetary goals.
Resource Coordinator
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Center for Injury Research & Prevention (CIRP)
01.2001 - 01.2010
- Directed financial tracking for the Young Driver Research Initiative (YDRI), monitoring expenses, vendor contracts, and monthly budget reporting.
- Supported grant submissions, IRB compliance, and contract management, ensuring smooth operations for federally funded projects.
- Prepared financial documentation including travel reimbursements, invoices, and vendor agreements while maintaining accurate records for audits.
- Coordinated special projects, meetings, and travel logistics for senior leadership, ensuring operational efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (Concentration: Leadership)
Rosemont College
Certificate - Leadership & Communication
Penn LPS Online – College of Liberal & Professional Studies
01.2021
STEP UP Leadership Program
University of Pennsylvania – Human Resources
Philadelphia, PA01.2020
Skills
- Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Expense & Variance Analysis
- Grant & IRB Compliance
- Financial Reporting (BusinessObjects, BEN Financials, Workday)
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Payroll & Onboarding Administration
- Data Analysis & Forecasting
- Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Leadership & Training
Timeline
Financial Administrative Coordinator
The University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, OID Dept.
01.2012 - Current
Resource Coordinator
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Center for Injury Research & Prevention (CIRP)
01.2001 - 01.2010
Certificate - Leadership & Communication
Penn LPS Online – College of Liberal & Professional Studies
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (Concentration: Leadership)
Rosemont College
STEP UP Leadership Program
University of Pennsylvania – Human Resources
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