Program Finance Analyst

Program Finance Analyst

Reporting to the manager, Program Finance, the program finance analyst (PFA) manages the financial aspects of a portfolio of grants and contracts (i.e., awards) and strategic programs within one or more of the Foundation's program areas. The PFA is responsible for advising program staff and grantees or contractors on the most optimal award structure to achieve desired goals, conducting assessments on the financial health of funded organizations, and reviewing and negotiating award budgets and ensuring their alignment with the scope of the award. They are also tasked with preparing data analysis, managing activity against portfolio budget targets, and monitoring the financial performance of active awards and programs. This role calls for expertise in complex grantmaking and contracting policies and procedures, coupled with the capacity to apply this knowledge to varied and often ambiguous situations. Tasks require strong communication and critical thinking skills, and the ability to exercise good judgment in decision-making.

As with staff at all levels of RWJF, the program finance analyst is expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation's mission and Guiding Principles.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Financial Management of Proposed and Active Awards

• Advises program directors and officers in assigned program areas on the appropriate financial structure for awards and programs.
• Confirms all finance-related information for calls/requests for proposals (CFPs/RFPs). Prepares and participates in applicant webinars, answering all budget questions. Fields questions from applicants and provides responses.
• Reviews award budgets and related proposals for assigned program areas to assess sufficiency and reasonableness of the funds requested and adherence with Foundation policy and makes recommendations to program staff and grantees. For contracts, ensures that contract terms and payment schedules align with the scope of work, and addresses the interests of both parties.
• Negotiates contract rates and other financial terms.
• Performs a comprehensive financial health assessment of the award recipient organization, including an examination of financial statements, tax forms, audits, and other data to evaluate the recipient's financial capacity to manage the award effectively. Provides written documentation to management. Corresponds with the grantee or contractor to better understand their operations and resource needs prior to making a recommendation.
• Applies critical thinking skills in identifying awards in development that may require a higher degree of care and raises awareness with management.
• Performs financial monitoring of active awards, projects, and gatherings to ensure that funds are being utilized within Foundation guidelines. This includes the acknowledgement of financial reports and initiating amendments, transfers, and budget revisions.
• Manages award payment transactions and cash forecasts for individual awards and programs.

Portfolio/Department Program Budget Management, Planning, and Analysis

• Forecasts and maintains financial information for awards and authorizations and budget planning for assigned program areas.
• Analyzes, verifies, and maintains program area budgets and updates budget projections to ensure accuracy. Makes recommendations on size, timing, and other attributes of awards to support meeting budget targets.
• Translates data into meaningful summaries, charts, and tables that can then be used in communications with staff.
• Advises assigned program area directors or officers about the potential impact of pending decisions on the budget.

Technical Assistance

• Is primary point of contact to grantees and contractors on financial policies, systems, and instructions for structuring awards and negotiating budgets.
• Coordinates the onboarding of new program staff on program financial matters. This involves providing information on financial policies and procedures needed by the new staff members to effectively perform their role.
• Provides ongoing financial guidance to grantees, contractors, and program staff on Foundation financial policies, procedures, and systems.
• Seeks and participates in opportunities for self-learning to maintain and enhance financial expertise.

Project Support

• Actively seeks ways to improve grant and contract management processes, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency.
• Participates in and occasionally leads intra-department or cross-functional workgroups that are formed to update policies, procedures, or processes, implement new systems, or solve operational problems.
• Provides project and other backup support to peers.
• Attends staff development meetings, retreats, and training on nonfinancial matters to foster relationships and advance knowledge of the Foundation's strategies, values, and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Commitment to racial and health equity and to the Foundation's vision, values, and Guiding Principles.
• Minimum of three (3) years of directly related experience in the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills, including knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Strong skills and proficiency in using computer software programs, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Fluency in Excel at an intermediate or higher level is expected. Ability to translate data into meaningful written summaries, tables, and graphs that can then be used to communicate to management.
• Ability to interact with and provide sound financial advice to staff at all levels and ranks. Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team-based, highly collaborative environment. Must be a creative thinker, a self-starter, and take initiative.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills. Ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation and interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented but also able to focus on the big picture and identify risks and trends effectively.
• Participates in process improvement efforts; makes recommendations and implements solutions to streamline and improve processes. Ability to examine and reengineer, as well as develop and implement new strategies and procedures.
• Understands the importance of a strong "control environment" regarding policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Commitment to financial stewardship. Able to be an independent financial agent in negotiation and assessment of budgets and expenditure tracking.
• Combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a business-related field.
• Candidates whose experience exceeds the minimum requirements will be given particular consideration for a higher placement within the salary range:
• Eight (8) years of financial experience in a foundation or nonprofit organization with experience in Grant Management systems.
• Twelve (12) years of financial experience in a foundation or nonprofit organization with experience in Grant Management systems.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The incumbent will perform job duties in a typical business office environment. Specific physical abilities required by this job include operating basic office equipment. The incumbent will be required to attend meetings, both in person and off-site via phone or videoconference. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. RWJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position's Assigned Office Location

This position is assigned to our Princeton, N.J. office.

Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP) Explained

As of January 1, 2023, the Foundation has implemented a model we call Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP). RWJF's new operating model is the infrastructure (e.g., policies, practices, protocols, procedures, systems) that forms the basis for how the day-to-day operations are managed, culture is built and nurtured, and mission is delivered. This model is designed to meet the needs of the organization while giving employees as much flexibility as possible. On-site participation is determined by job responsibilities, organizational and team-level requirements, and mandatory gatherings throughout the year. While there are no fixed days per week, all employees are expected to plan their time on-site and cover commuting expenses as needed to meet those expectations. Learn more about our operating model and in-office requirements.

Salary

The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $79,500. Candidates whose directly related experience exceeds the minimum requirements outlined above may be offered a salary up to $87,450, depending on the depth and relevance of that experience. All salary offers are non-negotiable.

Benefits

RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits to employees, generous paid time off, and more. Why work at RWJF? Learn more about the benefits of working at RWJF.

Transition Stipend

A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job.

How to Apply