Claire Kehn
Olympia,WA
Summary
Regulatory and compliance professional transitioning into applied public policy research. Experienced in translating complex federal requirements into operational systems, conducting quantitative financial analysis, and strengthening institutional accountability across higher education and public-sector environments. Graduate-level training in cost-benefit analysis, quantitative methods, and evaluation design, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize evidence, interpret policy, and communicate findings to diverse technical and non-technical audiences. Published author on institutional compliance with a commitment to rigorous, nonpartisan, evidence-based public service.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract & Grants Accountant
The Evergreen State College
01.2020 - Current
- Conducted quantitative financial analysis across 150+ federal and state awards, identifying compliance risks, evaluating expenditure patterns, and informing institutional decision-making.
- Interpreted and operationalized federal regulations (2 CFR 200, DOE, NSF), translating complex requirements into clear, actionable institutional guidance.
- Authored and implemented policy changes that improved institutional controls, reduced audit findings, and strengthened system-level accountability.
- Produced structured, evidence-based guidance for faculty and directors, improving consistency in regulatory interpretation and operational decision-making.
- Prepared Federal Financial Reports and closeout packages, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with federal reporting standards.
- -Analyzed cost allocations, recommended budget adjustments, and executed correction journals to ensure data integrity and accurate administrative reporting.
Accountant III
University of California
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Analyzed complex financial datasets for 293 awards totaling $3.3M/month, identifying anomalies, assessing compliance risk, and improving audit readiness.
- Synthesized financial and operational data to support leadership decisions, demonstrating strong analytical reasoning and evidence-based evaluation.
- Recognized with three consecutive Employee Star Awards for excellence in compliance oversight, customer service, and operational reliability.
Accountant III & Payroll Specialist
Encompass Community Services
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Conducted quantitative analysis of a $7.4M payroll budget for 485+ employees, ensuring accurate cost allocation and compliance with state regulations.
- Produced financial impact analyses to support executive decision-making and operational planning.
Accountant
NMP Property Management
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Managed rent collections, delinquency tracking, and resident financial coordination.
- Completed month-end accounting and ensured accurate cost allocation to units.
- Supported leasing and marketing activities; maintained legal documentation and resident records.
Financial Analyst I
University of California
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Managed budgets and revenue forecasting; produced quarterly financial reports.
- Conducted audits for ADA and CACFP grants to ensure funding eligibility.
- Supported operational activities and compliance with federal and state grant requirements.
Education
B.A. - Literature & English
University of California
Santa Cruz, CAA.S. - Accounting & Finance
Cabrillo College
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Public Policy
The Evergreen State College
06-2026
Skills
- Technical & Analytical Skills
- Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, modeling functions)
- R (graduate‑level coursework)
- Financial modeling & forecasting
- Cost–benefit and economic evaluation frameworks
- Data analysis & visualization
- Federal reporting systems (eg, FFRs, federal grant portals) Policy, Compliance & Systems
- Policy interpretation & regulatory analysis
- Federal grants compliance
- Subrecipient monitoring & audit readiness
- Program evaluation & performance measurement
- Process improvement & systems thinking Operational & Cross‑Functional Skills
- Cross‑agency coordination
- Stakeholder communication
- Technical documentation & reporting
- Project management
- Organizational assessment
PUBLICATION
Published author on institutional compliance and public accountability. (Full citation available upon request.)
Timeline
Contract & Grants Accountant
The Evergreen State College
01.2020 - Current
Accountant III
University of California
01.2015 - 01.2020
Accountant III & Payroll Specialist
Encompass Community Services
01.2013 - 01.2015
Accountant
NMP Property Management
01.2007 - 01.2013
Financial Analyst I
University of California
01.1998 - 01.2004
A.S. - Accounting & Finance
Cabrillo College
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Public Policy
The Evergreen State College
B.A. - Literature & English
University of California