About this role
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Overview Join the friendly and inclusive community working together at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) to advance its mission to address the world’s most critical environmental challenges.
The Financial Assistant 4 provides comprehensive financial and administrative support for a School of the Environment portfolio of accounts. This includes, but is not limited to, approving Expense Reports and other transactions in Workday (including those on sponsored projects), reviewing sponsored project proposal budgets, and processing Payroll Adjustments, Journal Entries, Purchase Order updates, and Accounting Adjustments. The Financial Assistant 4 tracks and maintains customer interactions, working with assigned Account Managers to prepare detailed financial reports and assist in the development and implementation of financial systems and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance. The Financial Assistant services as a principal source of information on financial policies and procedures, and, for specific accounts, works directly with Students to assist in managing budgets and spending.
Required Skills and Abilities 1. Strong understanding of general accounting principles and financial management, including journal entries, cost transfers, and reconciliations. 2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups and provide high-level customer service. 3. Demonstrated proficiency with computer applications, especially Excel, and financial reporting systems. 4. Well-developed organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a high-volume environment. 5. Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and demonstrate initiative in problem-solving.
Preferred Skills and Abilities 1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; experience with Workday and advanced Excel skills. 2. Familiarity with sponsored research, including pre-award and post-award processes. Experience reviewing award terms, approved budgets, and expenditure restrictions and applying those requirements to financial transactions. 3. Experience with university financial systems and knowledge of institutional financial policies and procedures. Experience locating and using authoritative guidance, supporting documentation, and relevant examples to resolve financial questions. 4. Strong analytical skills and experience with financial forecasting and management, including identifying discrepancies, investigating their causes, and recommending appropriate corrections. 5. Prior experience in a higher education setting, providing financial support to faculty, staff, and students. Proven experience in an academic environment focused on Environmental Issues.
Preferred Experience Yale Experience
Principal Responsibilities
1. Drafts preliminary financial sections of proposals. 2. Reviews all proposals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance to grantor and University requirements and regulations. 3. Monitors, controls, and maintains financial activity of accounts. Ensures expenditures are posted to proper accounts. Identifies, researches, and corrects questionable expenditures. 4. Serves as the principal source of information on financial policies and procedures and financial activity. 5. Reconciles and analyzes financial statements. Prepares standardized and specialized financial reports and analyses. 6. Oversees and instructs support staff. 7. Oversees the maintenance of financial records and files. 8. Assists with the development and implementation of systems and procedures. 9. May calculate weekly payroll for department staff. 10. Performs clerical functions incidental to accounting activities. Required Education and Experience Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Job Posting Date 10/08/2026 Job Category Administrative Support Bargaining Unit L34 Compensation Grade Labor Grade D Compensation Grade Profile
Hourly Range $31.83 Benefits A general description of the benefits to be offered with this Clerical and Technical position is available at: Yale Benefits
Time Type Full time Duration Type Staff Work Model Hybrid Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Health Requirements
Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.
Posting Disclaimer
The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).
Note
Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.