Financial Operations Specialist

Brown University

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Job Description:

Brown’s Division of Biology and Medicine – composed of The Warren Alpert Medical School and the Program in Biology – is home to numerous centers of excellence in education, biomedical research, and clinical care. The Division is large and diverse. Currently there are 143 biology/basic science faculty, 591 medical academic faculty (employed by an affiliated hospital or practice) and 1,891 clinical faculty (community-based physicians) spread across five basic biology departments and 14 clinical departments. The Division is affiliated with eight diverse teaching affiliates in and around Providence. There are 12 graduate programs (master’s and PhD) educating over 500 students and over 600 Medical students training at The Warren Alpert Medical School.

The Financial Operations Specialist will be responsible for the development and financial management of: budgets, funds flow/reconciliation and forecasting for an assigned portfolio of departments and/or programs. This position will deliver exceptional customer service in terms of financial management, development of the operational budgets, and implementation of policy and other changes as they occur.

The Financial Operations Specialist will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) supporting central as well as program finances and will assist with financial training for the departments/programs they support. The position will require the ability to stay abreast of the financial capacity within each distinct program, while maintaining a broader understanding of the finances at the Divisional level. The specialist is also responsible for serving as an SME for assigned areas, ad hoc analysis for ongoing or future programs and administrative responsibilities related to cost center management.

This position will assist with the coordination of departments/programs as assigned including:

• oversight of the annual budget and projections
• financial management and compliance
• new initiatives/business development
• general administration and a focus on service excellence

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A degree in accounting, finance, economics or related field required;

• A minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience required (experience with financials and structures in an academic setting preferred);

• Knowledge of and experience with complex financial models, record keeping, and the ability to develop new systems and procedures;

• Experience and proficiency in developing spreadsheets and combining data sources for analysis and operational support required;

• Or, equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Competencies

• 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 working with financial reporting such as profit and loss statements and budgetary reports;

• Practical experience using spreadsheet and database software for analysis and operational support;

• Well organized, flexible, and able to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;

• Collaborative working style and ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels of the organization;

• Initiative and ability to work independently and as a member of a team;

• Ability to learn and apply policies and other regulatory parameters into a dataset or work product;

Additional Information: 

Applicants are asked to include a resume. In a separate document, please briefly answer the following 3 questions in lieu of a cover letter (no more than 1 page total):

1. Budget & Financial Operations

Briefly describe your experience with budget management, variance tracking, or financial reconciliations. What tools or habits do you rely on to ensure accuracy across multiple accounts or cost centers?

2. Financial Translation & Client Service

As a financial partner to non-financial stakeholders, how do you explain complex budget reports or financial policies in a clear, accessible way?

3. On-Site / Hybrid Work Acknowledgement

This position is based on-campus in Providence, RI, under a hybrid work schedule requiring 1 - 2 days of in-person work per week.

• Please confirm your understanding of this requirement.

• If you do not currently reside within commuting distance of Providence, RI, please confirm your ability and willingness to relocate prior to your start date.

Criminal and education background check required.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

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