Portfolio & Grant Accountant

Overview

Works under the direction and in partnership with the Sr. Finance Manager in the Integrated Business Office of Therapeutic Radiology, Pathology, Lab Med, Radiology and the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute. Exercises considerable amount of discretion and independent judgment and is responsible for complex modeling for Principal Investigator’s portfolio of funds to develop long and short-term resource plans. Creates and updates financial plans and financial reporting for a primary portfolio of multiple Federal and non-federal grants and contracts as well as Sponsored Research Agreements. Cultivates working partnerships and communications with faculty, PIs, Office of Sponsored Projects, and departmental leadership including the Post-Award IBO team. Manages all aspects of the work activities to ensure the highest quality of customer service, financial reporting and compliance with accounting principles, sponsor requirements and Yale University policies and procedures. Responsible for Monthly Financial Reporting and Compliance. Meets with faculty and PI’s on a regular basis to review all grant and non-grant accounts.  Responsible for aspects of the monthly financial review checklist for the research mission, inclusive of corrective actions determined necessary because of the review. Serves as a subject matter expert to the IBO post-award team in all facets of sponsored research administration. Supervises at least one financial assistant (level D C&T) and responsible for training new-hires in both C&T and non-C&T ranks across the financial accounting and management arena.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated ability in financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and analysis.
2. Strong organizational and multitasking skills with careful attention to detail and accuracy.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with various stakeholders.
4. Proficiency in using financial software and tools, such as Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, showing initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving 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. Professional certifications such as CPA, MBA, or specialized training in research administration.
5. 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.