Senior Financial Manager (Job ID: 2021-2795)

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Global Economy and Development (Global) program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. The program's research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness.

Position Location: This position is based in Brookings' Washington, DC office. The person hired for this position must be willing to move to or currently reside in Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia by their date of hire.?

Operating status: Brookings eligible employees are currently authorized to work remotely but will be moving towards a hybrid plan later this year, which will require working both in the office and remotely. All vaccinated Brookings employees who wish to work from the office can do so. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, Brookings recently announced that staff on Brookings campus this fall are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Brookings will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.

As a visitor and/or a new employee at Brookings, you will be required to comply with the vaccination policy. Individuals invited for an in-person job interview or hired as an employee that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Global program is seeking a Senior Financial Manager who will be responsible for the preparation, management, implementation, and reconciliation of budgets, financial transactions, grants, and contracts within the program. This includes project-budget formulation, revenue forecasting, drafting grant proposal budgets, grant monitoring, expenses tracking, financial reporting to donors, drafting contracts, and other administrative tasks as requested.

Budget Formulation and Grant Monitoring (55%)

• Forecasts, updates, monitors, and manages project and department budgets in coordination with project principals and the Managing Director.
• Develops proposal budgets and monitors grants, pledges, and cash flow to allocate revenue accordingly.
• Implements grant setup and terms, which includes review and routing of award documents for signature, entering grant details into PeopleSoft, monitoring project expenditures against each grant, and ensuring proper documentation and financial reporting to maintain compliance with funding conditions, contractual obligations, and auditing criteria.
• Manages and tracks revenue allocation and funding distribution; ensures sound fiscal stewardship of grant funds.
• Prepares monthly budget to actual reports, including variance analysis for presentation to project principals and the Managing Director and incorporation into dashboard reports.
• Provides analyses, reporting, and other materials to facilitate the review and decision making on financial matters related to the projects, as well as on cost savings and effective cross program efficiencies to best utilize program resources.
• Monitors all monthly financial costs associated with projects within portfolio and submits journal entries as necessary for corrections. Allocates labor across portfolio in collaboration with project principals and adhering to guidelines from the grant agreement.
• Reviews program data, provides input and analysis, and conducts program testing for the institution's transition to Workday.
• Works on ad hoc financial assignments as requested by the Managing Director and/or the Assistant Director of Finance.

Contracts (20%)

• Drafts and/or reviews research contracts, memorandums of understanding, funding contracts and all other contractual agreements and works with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) on contract language.
• Routes documents through SharePoint for approval and files documents as appropriate.
• Tracks and monitors contractual obligations and insures compliance.

Finance and Procurement Management (15%)

• Processes and/or approves credit card transactions, requisitions, invoices, travel expense claims, and other financial transactions.
• Oversees procurement process and is responsible for the timeliness of transactions, paperwork submission and the accuracy of posted charges.
• Assists and advises staff members on all of the Institution's financial policies and processes including conference planning, research contracts, external billing, memorandums of understanding, reimbursements, etc.
• Serves as a liaison with other Global financial and development staff, as well as other research programs and departments including: Central Development, Accounting, Grants Administration departments, as well as OGC.

Administration (10%)

• Approves, sets up, and monitors timesheets in PeopleSoft system; provides staff training on software; and troubleshoots timesheet issues.
• Maintains labor-hour tracker spreadsheet, as well as electronic folders of financial records.
• Supports supervisor in evaluating efficiency and effectiveness of policies, processes, and controls.
• Provides assistance as requested by the Managing Director and/or Assistant Director of Finance.

Qualifications

• Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
• Education/Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree required (preferably in business administration, accounting, finance, or management). Minimum four years of experience in business administration, budget and grant management, accounting and related fields required. A background in a research or academic or nonprofit setting is strongly preferred. Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• Knowledge/Skills Requirements:
• Ability to multi-task and be flexible on workflow; knowledge of Microsoft (MS) Office Suite and strong proficiency in MS Excel required, including the use of advanced formulas, pivot tables, charts and other data analysis tools. Data visualization skills a plus. Must be familiar with budgeting or accounting software; knowledge of PeopleSoft and/or Workday a plus. Must have ability to manage a diverse portfolio of funding from proposal through final reporting. Must have proven ability to build and manage complex, multi-million dollar budgets to include budget compliance and forecasting. Knowledge of foreign government grants is preferred. Must have ability to analyze data for historical perspective and risk management. Initiative and a high degree of judgment, tact and discretion in dealing with relationships at all levels, inside and outside of the Program, in addition to managing confidential and sensitive matters. Proven ability to work independently and efficiently under pressure and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work well in a team environment as a creative thinker and quick learner. Adherence to deadlines and attention to detail is essential.
• Additional Information:
• What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.
• Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
• Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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