Financial Operations Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Providence (RI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University in Providence, RI, invites applications for a Financial Operations Specialist within the BioMed Finance portfolio. The role focuses on budgets, funds flow/reconciliation, and forecasting for assigned departments, delivering strong customer service and financial policy implementation.

The position requires on-campus presence in Providence with a hybrid schedule (1–2 days in-person per week) and collaboration across central and program finances.

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance, economics or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in academic financial environments preferred.
• Knowledge of complex financial models and data management.
• Experience developing spreadsheets and data sources for analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee annual budget, projections, and cost center management.
• Ensure financial compliance and support new initiatives/business development.
• Provide SME support for Department/program finances and training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Advanced Excel

Accounting software

PowerPoint

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/economics

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Accounting software

Job description

Financial Operations Specialist

Brown University

Job Description:

Brown's Division of Biology and Medicine - composed of The WarrenAlpert Medical School and the Program in Biology - is home tonumerous centers of excellence in education, biomedical research,and clinical care. The Division is large and diverse. Currentlythere are 143 biology/basic science faculty, 591 medical academicfaculty (employed by an affiliated hospital or practice) and 1,891clinical faculty (community-based physicians) spread across fivebasic biology departments and 14 clinical departments. The Divisionis affiliated with eight diverse teaching affiliates in and aroundProvidence. There are 12 graduate programs (master's and PhD)educating over 500 students and over 600 Medical students trainingat The Warren Alpert Medical School.

The Financial Operations Specialist will be responsible for thedevelopment and financial management of: budgets, fundsflow/reconciliation and forecasting for an assigned portfolio ofdepartments and/or programs. This position will deliver exceptionalcustomer service in terms of financial management, development ofthe operational budgets, and implementation of policy and otherchanges as they occur.

The Financial Operations Specialist will serve as the subjectmatter expert (SME) supporting central as well as program financesand will assist with financial training for thedepartments/programs they support. The position will require theability to stay abreast of the financial capacity within eachdistinct program, while maintaining a broader understanding of thefinances at the Divisional level. The specialist is alsoresponsible for serving as an SME for assigned areas, ad hocanalysis for ongoing or future programs and administrativeresponsibilities related to cost center management.

This position will assist with the coordination ofdepartments/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 fieldrequired;
• A minimum of 2 years' relevant experience required (experiencewith financials and structures in an academic settingpreferred);
• Knowledge of and experience with complex financial models,record keeping, and the ability to develop new systems andprocedures;
• Experience and proficiency in developing spreadsheets andcombining data sources for analysis and operational supportrequired;
• Or, equivalent combination of education andexperience.

Job Competencies

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills,including experience presenting to management;
• Strong computing skills and ability to learn new systemsquickly, including: advanced Excel, PowerPoint and accountingsoftware;
• Experience working with financial reporting such as profit andloss statements and budgetary reports;
• Practical experience using spreadsheet and database softwarefor analysis and operational support;
• Well organized, flexible, and able to manage multiplechallenging projects simultaneously in a fast-pacedenvironment;
• Collaborative working style and ability to build strongrelationships with people at all levels of theorganization;
• Initiative and ability to work independently and as a member ofa team;
• Ability to learn and apply policies and other regulatoryparameters into a dataset or work product;

Additional Information:

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

1. Budget & Financial Operations

Briefly describe your experience with budget management, variancetracking, or financial reconciliations. What tools or habits do yourely on to ensure accuracy across multiple accounts or costcenters?

2. Financial Translation & Client Service

As a financial partner to non-financial stakeholders, how do youexplain 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 hybridwork schedule requiring 1 - 2 days of in-person work perweek.

• Please confirm your understanding of thisrequirement.
• If you do not currently reside within commuting distance ofProvidence, RI, please confirm your ability and willingness torelocate 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.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-05-13

Job Posting Title:

Financial Operations Specialist

Department:

BioMed Finance

Grade:

Grade 9

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

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

Employees with a designated position work location as remote mustreside and perform their work in a state where Brown University isregistered to do business. Brown University is a registeredemployer 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 BrownUniversity, you must submit a separate application for eachposition you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewedonly for the specific position to which they are submitted and arenot automatically considered for future openings.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibitsdiscrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person'srace, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin,disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity,gender expression, or any other characterisprotected underapplicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs,and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individualson the basis of qualifications and performance. The Universitymaintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance withapplicable law.