"Portfolio & Grant Accountant"

Overview

Under the general direction of, and in partnership with, the Finance Manager within the Integrated Business Office (IBO) for Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, and Therapeutic Radiology, the Portfolio and Grant Accountant exercises a high degree of discretion and independent judgment in managing complex portfolios of sponsored and non-sponsored funds.

The accountant is responsible for developing and maintaining both short- and long-term financial projections and resource plans through advanced financial modeling for assigned Principal Investigator (PI) portfolios. The role supports a primary portfolio consisting of multiple federal and non-federal grants, contracts, and Sponsored Research Agreements.

This position prepares and maintains comprehensive financial plans and reports; ensures accurate monthly financial reporting; and maintains compliance with sponsor regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Yale University policies and procedures. The Portfolio and Grant Accountant meets with faculty and PIs on a regular basis to review grant and non-grant accounts to provide guidance on financial status, projections, and compliance considerations.

The role is responsible for designated components of the monthly financial review and compliance checklist supporting the research mission, including identifying issues and implementing or coordinating necessary corrective actions. The accountant cultivates strong working relationships with faculty, PIs, the Office of Sponsored Projects, departmental leadership, and members of the IBO Post-Award team to ensure high-quality customer service and effective financial stewardship.

In addition, the Portfolio and Grant Accountant serves as a subject matter expert in sponsored research administration, policies, and procedures, providing guidance and support to the IBO post-award team. The position acts as functional lead for one shared Financial Assistant, providing oversight, direction, and mentorship related to portfolio management activities.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to compile, analyze, and explain data accurately and to analyze and resolve complex issues with sound judgment. Proactive, resourceful strategic thinker with ability to manage multiple projects on deadline in a fast-paced environment.
2. Demonstrated superior customer service orientation and skills; ability to proactively engage clients.
3. Strong proficiency in MS Excel and database query tools; well-developed skill in query tools and database reporting. Strong aptitude with systems and attention to detail.
4. Superior interpersonal skills, oral and written communication, presentation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline, with experience in research administration.
2. Previous experience with grants and contracts administration, including pre-award and post-award processes.
3. Proficiency in using financial management systems such as Workday and Yale Budgeting Tool (YBT).
4. In-depth knowledge of university financial policies and federal regulations related to sponsored research.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Financial Analysis and Reporting: Present financial information and recommendations thru data analysis and reporting in the development and maintenance of large, complex portfolios. Identify and influence strategic opportunities within the portfolio to stakeholders. Researches issues, evaluates the entire situation, identifies policies, procedures, and guidance material relevant to resolution and proposes a recommendation or solution. Responsible for all financial analysis and budget activities, which includes multiple budgets with various funding levels, staggered budget periods and end dates, varying overhead rates, differing policies regarding allowable costs, and management of the acquisition and loss of sponsor funding.
2. Compliance and Risk Management: Monitor and certify to policy adherence for all financial activity within the portfolio by incorporating the policies of Yale and various funding agencies into the financial planning and review of expenditure activities. Advise faculty and clients of the appropriate financial policies. Maintain the fiscal integrity of the portfolio and department. Reviews and approves all expenditures with both sponsor and Yale policies and regulations in mind and ensures proper documentation and support exists to substantiate charges made to sponsored awards.
3. Proposal Management and Oversight: Plans, prioritizes actions and provides direction across multiple awards and portfolios. Provides oversight counsel and expertise relative to significant impact at the business unit level. Provides a more strategic direction in the management of accounts and collaboration with account holders. Review and interpret sponsor documents (i.e., applications, award notices, and terms and conditions). Handle all activities for assigned portfolios in managing sponsored awards, ensure the proper and timely filing of sponsor documents, including submissions, modifications, extensions and all post award required reports (financial, technical, etc.).
4. Collaborative and Strategic Finance Partner: Collaborate with other Business Offices, Central Offices, external institutions and sponsoring agencies to ensure the proper management of sponsor funds. Based on the funding and activities of the faculty member or client, identify and propose alternatives for allocating effort, spending pattern adjustments, and allocation methodologies.
5. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required. Four years of related financial experience required. Demonstrated application of financial, accounting and economic concepts.