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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.
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Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
The Senior Finance Coordinator provides program financial management and contract management support; manages finance processes that include timesheets and costing allocations, expense reimbursement, invoicing, and payments; and supports program-wide budgeting and reporting. They are responsible for the timeliness of transactions, invoice payments, paperwork submission, and the accuracy of posted charges. They will perform budget, accounting, and financial tasks; including core program projects, inter-program projects, and cross-program initiatives. In addition, they will provide financial administration support for the finance team and the Director of Finance.
Budget and Accounting Support (40%)
Assist the Director of Finance in managing the program budget.
Manages a small financial portfolio with supervision from the Director of Finance.
Facilitates the monthly accounting close process for the Program by running reports, ensuring the Finance Team’s awareness of operational deadlines and procedures, preparing journal entries and payroll accounting adjustments, and tracking correcting and adjusting journal entries made to the general ledger.
Coordinates the review of all monthly program-wide internal charges, including facilities charges, guest charges, ITS surcharges, conference services, cell phone bills, and missing worktags on payroll expenses; and makes corrections as needed.
Coordinates the cost allocation updates in Workday. Works with the Director of Finance to ensure that effort certifications and timesheets are accurately submitted in a timely manner.
Maintains and updates monthly budget and expense reporting files with latest financial data. Develops other ad hoc financial data and reporting for the program as needed.
Tracks and monitors the AR aging in coordination with the Director of Finance and leads in the preparation and submission of customer invoices.
Works with team to problem-solve contract, payment, and accounting issues that arise.
Attends meetings and training sessions, as needed.
Assists financial management team with internal projects and initiatives.
Procurement Coordination (40%)
Responsible for the project management of the program’s contract process including drafting and/or reviewing contracts, memorandums of understanding, honoraria, funding contracts, and all other contractual agreements. Works with OGC on contract language. Works with staff and vendors to ensure proper documentation is received for contract setup.
Oversees the contract routing process, ensuring timely approvals and coordinating the relevant parties around resolving pending issues in a timely manner. Ensures documentation is properly filed.
Requests new vendors in Workday, tracks and monitors contractual obligations, prepares and processes invoices, and ensures timely payments.
Monitors upcoming accounts payable and invoicing in coordination with finance and research staff. Submits month-end accruals to the Controller’s Office, when necessary.
Supports the Finance Director in ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Financial Administration (20%)
Serves as the primary processor and reviewer of requisitions, travel expense reimbursements, company Pcard expenses, and other financial transactions for the program. Trains staff on use of Concur and monitors use and compliance with travel and other spending policies.
Trains staff on the timesheet and effort certification process, supports timely submissions, and monitors approvals. Assists and advises staff members on all of the Institution’s financial policies and processes including conference planning, contracts, external billing, memorandums of understanding, reimbursements, etc.
Supports the creation and application of tracking and monitoring tools for the Finance team. This includes creating templates, overseeing the process for use, and monitoring or tracking milestones.
Drafts correspondences, composes memos, mailings, and cover sheets as required. Serves as the meeting scheduler for the finance and operations teams, as necessary. Serves as a note taker at meetings as required.
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
Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum three years of relevant work experience required. Background in a fast-paced research, academic, or non-profit organization is preferred.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
High level of attention to detail required especially as it concerns data accuracy and task management; strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills required; excellent communication skills required; knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, with proficiency in Excel, required; Budget experience and/or familiarity with budgeting or accounting software a plus. Finance experience and/or familiarity with budgeting or accounting software a plus. Must be a mature, reliable, self-motivated, team player who gets along well with a variety of personality-types and can work independently. Must be flexible and capable of working in a fast-paced environment with shifting and competing priorities. Extreme honesty and discretion required, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
Additional Information
What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
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 attachment.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, 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. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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