Career Center

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production.  Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.  The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation.  As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary: 

The Risk & Compliance Department at HHMI oversees internal audit, risk and compliance management. The department also provides an interface between all areas of the internal organization including Finance, Operations, Business Solutions, People and Culture, Communication, Science, Science Education, Investments, and the Janelia Operations and Administration regarding sound operating and fiscal practices to actively manage risk. 

As the Compliance & Audit Associate, you will work alongside the Compliance and Audit Analyst, Outsourced Internal Auditors, and the Risk and Compliance Director. Leveraging your attention to detail, you will serve the team in the following manner: gathering and analyzing data information from a variety of sources, managing data in the risk software systems, planning and carrying out aspects of internal financial or system audits aimed at improving the efficiency or financial health of the organization, and engaging with members of the HHMI community.

In this role, you will:

• Engage in financial transaction, operations monitoring, and review by using data analytics to identify, obtain, analyze, and evaluate relevant information to support audit conclusions and results.

• Assist management in initiating and maintaining annual top-down risk assessments through use of entity’s risk management software.

• Evaluate deficiencies, propose remediation action plans, and track remediation action plans to completion.

• Prepare and conduct audits of internal controls for operating business units by checking for compliance with HHMI policies and procedures and where applicable external laws and regulations.

• Conduct the audit and sampling of employee expense reimbursement program.

• Facilitate work of Outsourced Internal Auditors by extracting data for the approved programs.

• Develop formal written reports to communicate audit results to management. The report will include a background discussion of the operations and activities audited, objectives and scope, conclusion, observations, and where appropriate make recommendations.

• Perform variance/trend analysis to include Revenue, Cash, and other Financial Statistics to identify risk.

• Maintain inventory of key internal control system processes and configurations centrally across Finance.

• Track and route problems and requests and document resolutions, Inform management of recurring problems

• Maintain a professional relationship with all business partners and other members of the HHMI community through interactions conducted in person, over the phone, via email or through other methods.

• Write procedure manuals, guides, and FAQ documents.

• Carry out such other duties and take on additional responsibilities related to the Risk & Compliance department.

• Become proficient with Risk Management and other required software, as necessary.

If this role appeals to you, we encourage you to apply even if you are unsure about whether you meet all qualifications, experience, and education described below.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration or related; or a combination of education and related experience
• Minimum of one year of professional experience in auditing, data analytics, or finance operations.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to synthesize trends and patterns from data and effectively communicate those results to various business partners
• Ability to instill trust by maintaining high levels of confidentiality
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficient time management skills
• Strong mathematical ability
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, and team collaboration skills
• Proficient with electronic databases and/or audit-related software
• Related experience and training in troubleshooting and problem solving
• Working knowledge of GAAP and accounting procedures
• General use of ERPs is beneficial (Workday experience is a plus)
• Knowledge and experience in writing and running reports using data analytical tools (i.e., Tableau, Cognos, or Power BI) is beneficial
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Visio)

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer