Finance Manager, Economic Studies

Overview

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, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. 

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals: 

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world 

• Expand economic and social opportunity for all 

• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions 

• Advance peace and security worldwide 

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.

The Office of Financial Service (OFS) is dedicated to supporting the mission of Brookings by ensuring and enhancing its financial health and promoting financial efficiency and innovation. We accomplish this by safeguarding the institution’s assets, stewarding donor contributions and providing quality and client-driven service characterized by professionalism, integrity, reliability, transparency, accountability, expertise, and above all else – respectfulness and fairness. OFS is comprised of Accounting, Financial Planning and Management, Financial Operations and Investments.  

The Finance Manager is a member of the Finance function and serves as the primary financial partner for an assigned portfolio, currently the Economic Studies program. The role provides financial planning, analysis, forecasting, grant and project financial management, and decision support to program leadership and project teams within the assigned portfolio. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Development, Human Resources, General Counsel, and other institutional functions, the Finance Manager applies consistent financial practices, strengthens financial controls, and supports effective stewardship of program, institutional, and restricted resources.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.  

Responsibilities

Budget and Forecast Management (50%) 

• Responsible for financial management of projects assigned to the FM’s portfolio, in consultation and coordination with senior project and Finance staff.

• Forecasts obligations, expenditures, and revenue for projects and cost centers 

• Oversees allocation and use of grant funding and ensures revenue distribution and compliance with grant terms in the portfolio. 

• Drafts annual budgets and forecasts for a portfolio of projects

• Provides related analyses, reporting and other materials to facilitate the review and decision making on financial matters related to the projects. 

• Produces, coordinates and approves financial reports at the grant, project and/or department level (internal and external). 

• Authorizes and monitors project expenditures and purchases.  

 Project &Grant Management (25%) 

• Manages grants and gifts for a portfolio of projects; alerts stakeholders of any potential funding concerns or opportunities. 

• Coordinates preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders. 

• Serves as principal liaison for the finances and deliverables associated research projects with other research programs, Development, and Finance. 

• Manages internal project budgets for portfolio using Workday and Adaptive.  

• Prepares budgeting and reporting materials for further discussion and analysis as requested.  

• Prepares reports, ad hoc analysis and project scenarios as needed.

• Develops proposal budgets and funding reports to assist fundraising efforts. 

• Coordinates the preparation and review of project proposal budgets. 

• Coordinates Federal proposals with stakeholders  

Financial Administration (15%) 

• Reviews credit card transactions, contracts, requisitions, invoices, travel expense claims and other financial transactions for budget approvals.  

• Manages cost allocations. 

• Monitors, on monthly basis, all financial costs associated with projects within portfolio and submits journal entries as necessary for corrections. 

• Produces expense reports upon request.  

• Assists and advises staff members on all institutional financial processes including conference planning, research contracts, external billing, memorandums of understanding, reimbursements, etc.  

• Serves as a liaison with other Finance staff, other research programs, Development, and Legal. 

• Works on ad hoc financial assignments as requested.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement (10%) 

• Applies institution-wide financial policies, planning assumptions, reporting standards, and internal controls consistently across the assigned portfolio.  

• Partners with program leaders and project staff to translate financial information into clear recommendations and decision support.  

• Collaborates with Finance colleagues to align portfolio forecasts with program and institution-wide financial outlooks.  

• Participates in cross-functional planning, reporting, process improvement, and systems initiatives.  

• Shares knowledge, documentation, and effective practices across the Finance function.  

• Provides coverage or support for other portfolios during critical planning cycles or staffing transitions.  

• Escalates emerging financial risks, compliance concerns, and material forecast changes through established Finance channels.  

• Supports data integrity across Workday, Adaptive Planning, and related reporting tools. 

Qualifications

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; some business courses in accounting, finance, economics, or a related field preferred. Minimum of four years of related financial or administrative experience required; some background in research, academic, financial, or non-profit setting is preferred. 

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

High level of attention to detail required; strong administrative financial coordination and organizational skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required. Strong problem-solving skills and customer-focused attitude required. In-depth knowledge of financial software applications, databases, spreadsheets, and financial modeling required. Budgeting experience required; must have excellent organizational skills and initiative to manage logistics of projects independently. Works independently, takes initiative, and manages competing priorities and deadlines with minimal oversight. Collaborates effectively across teams and functions and adapts to shifting priorities in a high-volume environment. 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.