Fiscal Assistant

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to U.S. regional government stakeholders and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet U.S. policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo‑Pacific region. Our Finance team is looking for a Fiscal Assistant to help manage budgetary and financial oversight for the East‑West Center’s appropriation of various external contracts and grants. This role includes performing routine clerical accounting tasks related to the preparation, processing, and maintenance of statistical, financial, billing, and other related fiscal records for the Center. The Fiscal Assistant will also assist Fiscal Officers in performing other tasks related to payroll, financial reporting, records retention, and data entry to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Responsibilities Collaborates with the fiscal officers in the preparation of program/project budgets for EWC programs, drafting a portion of the budgets on own initiative. This involves determining and applying proper cost factors through analyses of historical data, background research, or discussions with staff. Incumbent proposes and transacts revisions of budget allocations as required to meet ongoing targets. Maintains records and controls for funding sources as assigned in coordination with the supervising Fiscal Officer (FO) and Senior Fiscal Officer (SFO). Has authority, in some cases, to transfer funds from one account to another. Prepares or assists in preparing a variety of financial reports and advises program staff coordinators of the status of funds for their respective areas of oversight and for contracts and grants. Reviews all encumbrance and payment documents for accuracy, funding availability and compliance with contract and grant technical requirements. Works with staff to ensure that needed changes are made. Has signatory authority on all fiscal documents to approve items in the absence of the FO. Updates the system to track subcontracts, MOAs/MOUs and consultant contracts, and advises the FO of action needed to extend, modify or close out instruments. Assists the FO with drafting and processing consultant contracts, subcontracts, MOAs, MOUs, amendments, etc. On occasion, may fully draft an instrument, discussing particulars of the work scope or related information with staff or the prospective contractor, and ensuring that the instrument is properly reviewed and executed in a timely manner. Assists the FO and program staff with all phases of the contracts and grants process: proposals, implementation of award, modifications, financial reporting, closeouts, etc. Participates in center meetings for the coordination of financial affairs, and in the formulation of policies, procedures, and modifications with respect to fiscal activities. Provides training for other support staff as required and orients new support staff to requirements for processing fiscal documents, acquainting them with various departments, staff and services in central administration as necessary for performing their jobs. Provides backup support, including processing and approving fiscal documents, for other EWC programs as required. Assists with inventory records of hardware equipment within the EWC programs. Works with the FO in developing systems that contribute to the smooth and efficient management of budgetary processes, financial management, and overall administrative systems affecting operations at the Center. Assists in maintaining liaisons with central administration with regard to relevant budget, fiscal, and administrative matters. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent training and experience providing comparable knowledge and ability. Minimum experience: at least three (3) years of full‑time experience demonstrating the ability to perform the duties of the position; or a combination of post‑high‑school education and directly related experience totaling six (6) years. Experience assisting with planning and controlling a financial program or series of accounts; exercising analytical ability; managing and expending funds; and preparing related financial reports. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; take initiative; work independently and cooperatively; assume responsibility for whole areas of work; gather and prepare background materials; work effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds; handle confidential information; and use financial management spreadsheet software. Knowledge of routine office practices and record‑keeping procedures; correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling; office machines and equipment; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, Google Suite, Zoom or equivalent. Preferred: knowledge of contracts, subcontracts, budgetary methods; experience or understanding of government purchasing, budgeting, and planning; experience researching expenditure of funds; assisting with post‑award administration and procurement program management. Salary and Benefits The annual salary for this position starts at $57,231.55 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a very generous company match, and paid time off. Career growth opportunities: opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within the organization. Supportive work environment: fostering a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated; encouraging open communication and collaboration. Title IX As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full‑time, in‑person role that requires the desired candidate to physically reside in Oahu, Hawaii. #J-18808-Ljbffr