Finance Assistant, Economic Studies (Job ID: 2024-3523)

The Brookings Institution - Washington, DC

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Washington, DC

Educational Services

About the position

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks! The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level. We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. The Economic Studies program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and, based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES's work covers a broad array of economic issues, including economic growth, economic opportunity and mobility, the labor market, regulation, health policy, the environment, tax policy, retirement policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. Economic Studies scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public. Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary administrative support to the Director of Finance and the Economic Studies Program Finance team.
• Assists with preparation and monitoring of budget tracking systems and spreadsheets.
• Assists or leads with monthly accounting closing process procedures including running reports, preparation of journal entries, payroll adjustments and tracking the progress of corrections submitted to accounting.
• Coordinates review and project management of all monthly program-wide internal charges by cost center, program and scholar.
• Codes P-card expenses for the assigned cost centers or scholars.
• Tracks, monitors and prepares vendor, invoice, and contract payments for review by ES Finance team.
• Works with ES Finance team to problem-solve payment and accounting issues that arise.
• Drafts or assists with proposal and forecast budgeting, as needed.
• Attends meetings and training sessions, as needed.
• Responsible for organizing and maintaining folders in the ES Finance SharePoint site.
• Distributes or coordinates distribution of relevant correspondence to ES staff as requested.
• Drafts correspondence, composes memos, mailings, and cover sheets as requested.
• Responsible for managing the timesheet and effort certification processes.
• Assists project management of the ES contract process including assisting drafting contracts.
• Updates and maintains Workday and Adaptive data as needed under the supervision of ES Finance team.
• Assists ES Finance team with internal projects and initiatives as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; some business courses preferred.
• Minimum of one year of related financial or administrative experience required.
• Some background in a research, academic, financial or non-profit setting is preferred.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• High level of attention to detail required.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Budget experience and/or familiarity with budgeting or accounting software a plus.
• Must be a mature, self-motivated, team player who gets along well with a variety of personality-types.
• Must be flexible and capable of working in a fast-paced environment with shifting and competing priorities.
• Extreme honesty and discretion required, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential information.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous time off.
• Workplace flexibility.