Financial Operations Specialist

Brown University•Providence, RI

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Brown’s Division of Biology and Medicine is composed of The Warren Alpert Medical School and the Program in Biology and includes basic biology and clinical departments, graduate programs, medical students, and affiliated teaching hospitals and practices. The Financial Operations Specialist supports the financial management of an assigned portfolio of departments and/or programs, including budgets, funds flow and reconciliation, and forecasting. The specialist provides customer service in financial management, develops operational budgets, and implements policy and other changes as they occur. Serving as a subject matter expert for central and program finances, the specialist also supports financial training for assigned departments and programs. The role requires staying informed about the financial capacity of distinct programs while maintaining a broader understanding of finances across the Division. Responsibilities also include ad hoc analysis for current or future programs and administrative work related to cost center management. The position is based on campus in Providence, Rhode Island, with a hybrid schedule requiring one to two in-person workdays per week. Applicants must submit a resume and a separate document, no longer than one page, answering three questions about budget and financial operations, communicating financial information to non-financial stakeholders, and acknowledging the hybrid work and commuting or relocation requirement. Criminal and education background checks are required. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of and experience with complex financial models and record keeping, and ability to develop new systems and procedures.
Experience and proficiency developing spreadsheets and combining data sources for analysis and operational support.
Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to management.
Strong computing skills and ability to learn new systems quickly, including advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and accounting software.
Experience with financial reporting such as profit and loss statements and budgetary reports.
Practical experience using spreadsheet and database software for analysis and operational support.
Organization, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborative working style and ability to build strong relationships with people at all organizational levels.
Initiative and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to learn and apply policies and other regulatory parameters to a dataset or work product.
Submit a resume and a separate document of no more than one page answering the three specified application questions.
Acknowledge the hybrid schedule requiring one to two in-person workdays per week and, if not within commuting distance of Providence, confirm willingness and ability to relocate before the start date.
Undergo criminal and education background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with financials and structures in an academic setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage budgets, funds flow and reconciliation, and forecasts for an assigned portfolio of departments and/or programs.
Provide financial management customer service, develop operational budgets, and implement policy and other changes.
Serve as a subject matter expert supporting central and program finances.
Assist with financial training for supported departments and programs.
Monitor the financial capacity of individual programs while maintaining an understanding of finances at the Divisional level.
Conduct ad hoc analysis for ongoing or future programs.
Perform administrative responsibilities related to cost center management.
Coordinate assigned departments and programs, including oversight of annual budgets and projections, financial management and compliance, new initiatives and business development, and general administration with a focus on service excellence.