Portfolio & Grant Accountant, Genetics

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Overview

Reporting to the Finance Manager in the Yale School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, the Portfolio & Grant Accountant provides comprehensive financial management and stewardship for a portfolio of sponsored and non-sponsored accounts. The role has primary responsibility for financial reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, serving as a trusted advisor to Principal Investigators (PIs) and departmental leadership to support informed decision-making, optimize resource utilization, and proactively manage financial risk across complex funding portfolios.

This position leads the development of short- and long-term financial models and resource plans for PI portfolios, including scenario planning, burn-rate analysis, and funding projections. The Portfolio & Grant Accountant creates, maintains, and updates financial plans and dashboards, delivering clear, accurate, and timely reporting for faculty, PIs, and operational partners. The role cultivates strong working relationships and effective communications with faculty, the Office of Sponsored Projects, departmental leadership, and other key stakeholders to support efficient financial operations and high-quality customer service.

The Portfolio & Grant Accountant ensures compliance with applicable accounting principles, sponsor terms and conditions, and Yale University policies and procedures. The position supports end-to-end monthly financial reporting and compliance processes, including completion of monthly financial review checklist activities for the research mission, identification of issues and variances, initiation and documentation of corrective actions, and coordination with relevant parties to resolve discrepancies and strengthen internal controls.

Through continuous process improvement, the role promotes accuracy, accountability, and audit readiness across the portfolio.

Required

Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to understand, reconcile, and work with financial and payroll activity from multiple systems and sources. Prepares, interprets, and presents detailed accounting reports and statements for stakeholders.

2. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Builds and maintains strong partnerships; communicates effectively with faculty, PIs, and staff to support research and operational needs.

3. Demonstrated commitment to continuous process improvement. Uses data and metrics to monitor processes, identify issues, and support informed, timely decision-making.

4. Works independently with strong initiative and attention to detail. Exercises sound judgment and maintains confidentiality. Maintains a positive, service-focused approach and collaborates effectively as part of a team.

5. Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook (or similar tools). Uses technology to produce clear reports, analyze data, and improve workflow efficiency.

Preferred

Skills and Abilities

1. Prior grant and sponsored research management experience (pre- and post-award), including budget development, forecasting, payroll/effort considerations, cost transfers, and closeout; strong understanding of sponsor terms and conditions.

2. Demonstrated ability to apply financial and accounting concepts (e.g., allowability/allocability, reconciliations, variance analysis, accruals, internal controls) to produce accurate reports and support compliant decisions.

3. Strong organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills; manages competing deadlines and multiple stakeholders while maintaining accuracy, documentation, and high-quality customer service.

4.

Experience with Workday, including using financial and payroll data and running reports to support month-end review, reconciliation, and compliance activities.

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…