Financial Specialist

Brown University; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University’s Data Science Institute seeks a Financial Specialist to manage financial administration across three core budgets and two Master’s program budgets, including planning, analysis, purchasing oversight, and salary reallocations.

The role provides pre- and post-award management, subcontract administration, and fiscal analysis for grants, serving as liaison between the Institute and partner units.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of accounting/financial experience or equivalent.
• Experience with sponsored research is desirable.
• Higher-education or non-profit work experience preferred.
• Excellent financial analytical ability and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Budgetary/financial planning and analysis for three core budgets and two Master’s program budgets.
• Research administration and purchasing oversight.
• Account management, salary reallocations and costings processing.
• Financial planning and fiscal year-end closing.
• Pre- and post-award management and subcontract administration.
• Financial analysis for grants and liaison between the Institute and partnering units.

Skills

Financial analysis

Excel

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred degrees: Accounting, Finance, Public Health, Science, Engineering or Math

Tools

MS Excel

Google Docs

Job description

Job Description:About Brown:Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.About the Opportunity:The Data Science Institute (DSI) is a high-visibility campus hub that partners with multiple departments and other units at Brown to support interdisciplinary data science education and research throughout campus. The institute also houses two research centers, the Center for Computational Molecular Biology and the Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign. The Financial Specialist will work closely with staff and faculty in DSI to administer several undergraduate and graduate academic programs as well as a range of research activities.Responsibilities:The Financial Specialist independently manages all matters pertaining to financial administration of the Data Science Institute which includes three core budgets and two Master’s program budgets. Responsibilities include budgetary/financial planning and analysis, research administration, purchasing oversight, account management, processing of salary reallocations and costings, financial planning and fiscal year-end closing. This position will also provide high-level comprehensive pre- and post- award management, subcontract administration, and financial analysis for grants within the DSI and its centers and serve as the administrative liaison for financial matters between the Institute and partnering administrative and academic units as well as sponsoring agencies and other collaborating organizations. This position has a broad scope of responsibilities and requires extensive knowledge of financial matters and processes.Qualifications:Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree with two (2) to four (4) years of experience in accounting/financial/budgeting or research administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Health, Science, Engineering or Math field is preferred.Experience with sponsored research is desirableHigher-Education or non-profit work experience preferredJob CompetenciesExcellent financial analytical abilityWillingness and interest in assuming increasing levels of responsibilities, networking, leadership, and training opportunitiesHighly proficient in Excel applications (data manipulations); MS Excel and Google Docs preferredExcellent communication skills (both oral and written) to elicit and disperse information; to present information (including data) and communications in a clear and concise mannerStrong organizational, administrative, time management and critical thinking skillsAbility to meet deadlines in a multi-faceted work environmentAbility to work well within a team; flexible, service-oriented and resourcefulAbility to organize and prioritize workload in a multi-tasking environment while maintaining careful attention to detailAbility to handle confidential information with discretion.Salary Grade:9Additional Information:Applicants are asked to include a cover letter and resume.All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.Benefits of Working at Brown:Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.Recruiting Start Date:2026-09-22Job Posting Title:Financial SpecialistDepartment:Data Science InstituteGrade:Grade 9Worker Type:EmployeeWorker Sub-Type:RegularTime Type:Full timeScheduled Weekly Hours:37.5Position Work Location:OnsiteSubmission Guidelines:The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer 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 Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not 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] is an E-Verify Employer.EEO Statement:Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.