Melissa Wojciechowski
North Branford,CT
Summary
Strategic finance and operations leader with 20+ years of progressive experience and a proven record of leading complex financial, administrative, and operational functions within a large, decentralized organization. Experienced strategic partner to senior leadership and faculty, with responsibility for financial stewardship, resource allocation, organizational planning, risk management, human resources, facilities, compliance, and administrative operations. Recognized for strengthening internal controls, optimizing resources, developing high-performing teams, navigating organizational change, and translating complex financial and operational issues into actionable strategies. MBA with extensive experience in higher education and complex, matrixed environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Finance and Administration
Yale University
05.2017 - Current
- Serve as strategic administrative partner to faculty and organizational leadership, providing integrated leadership across finance, operations, human resources, facilities, compliance, and administrative services.
- Lead comprehensive financial planning and stewardship for assigned departments, including all-funds budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, resource allocation, and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Advise senior leadership and faculty on financial strategy, organizational priorities, resource optimization, and complex operational issues to support short- and long-term objectives.
- Oversee business operations and internal controls, identifying and mitigating financial, operational, compliance, and reputational risks while ensuring adherence to University and sponsor requirements.
- Lead and develop administrative and business operations staff, establishing priorities, strengthening accountability, supporting professional development, and fostering a high-performing team environment.
- Partner with faculty, staff, students, and centralized University service providers to deliver effective administrative services and resolve complex operational challenges.
- Lead process improvement initiatives designed to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve controls, increase transparency, and optimize financial and administrative resources.
- Manage relationships with internal service providers and University partners, representing departmental needs and influencing outcomes across a complex, decentralized organization.
- Led Workday implementation and organizational change efforts, including chart-of-account mapping, role assignments, process transition, and staff readiness across assigned departments.
- Provide leadership and guidance on University policies, regulatory requirements, financial controls, personnel matters, and administrative processes.
Finance and Administrative Manager, Business Operations
Yale University
09.2013 - 05.2017
- Provided operational and financial leadership to four departments within Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, partnering with department operations managers to strengthen controls, streamline processes, and build cohesive business practices.
- Led department-level budget preparation and forecasting and provided guidance to faculty, staff, and students on University policies and procedures.
- Developed rate structures for ten internal service providers and ensured billing practices complied with University and federal regulations.
- Oversaw quality assurance and compliance for department financial transactions and supervised support staff.
- Facilitated training sessions on best practices for business operations and project management tools.
Accountant III
Child Study Center
06.2010 - 09.2013
- Spearheaded quality assurance and compliance standards for financial reporting, monitoring, and budgeting for the Child Study Center.
- Served as departmental liaison for internal and external audits and supported budget submissions and quarterly forecasting.
- Provided financial analysis and guidance to approximately 15 Principal Investigators and program coordinators, monitoring accounts for overspending or underutilization and advising on corrective action.
- Assisted faculty in managing research and clinical programs and directly supervised two Account Managers and two financial assistants, as well as support staff involved in financial transactions.
Accountant II
Child Study Center
05.2008 - 06.2010
- Provided financial analysis across funding sources for approximately 15 Principal Investigators and program coordinators and advised on corrective actions for overspending or underutilized funds.
- Provided guidance concerning personnel matters, including recommendations related to hiring, discipline, and promotion.
- Reviewed accounts and transactions for compliance with University policies, procedures, and sponsor regulations and approved purchasing, telecommunications, and personnel requests.
Financial Assistant IV
Child Study Center
11.2006 - 05.2008
- Reviewed financial statements and procurement activity for accuracy, appropriate classification, supporting documentation, and compliance with University policies.
- Prepared journal entries, monitored professional service agreements and subcontracts, and maintained cash advances for subject reimbursement.
- Served as first point of contact for support staff on purchasing policies, procedures, and computer applications.
Senior Administrative Assistant / Administrative Assistant
Department of Music
10.2004 - 06.2006
- Managed financial transactions, payroll, reimbursements, receivables, payables, subscriber databases, faculty and visiting professor travel, and customer service activities.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Post University
Waterbury, CTBachelor of Science - Business Administration, Computer Science & Psychology
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CTSkills
- Strategic Planning & Resource Allocation
- Financial Strategy & Stewardship
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Operational Leadership
- Risk Management & Internal Controls
- Organizational Change
- Talent Development
- Process Improvement
- Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Facilities & Administrative Services
- Stakeholder Management
- Workday Implementation
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT
- BIC Corporation - Accounts Payable, 2003–2004
- Tilcon Inc. - Accounts Receivable, 2002–2003
- Tilcon Inc. - Administrative Support, 1998–2002
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Progressive career advancement from administrative and accounting roles into director-level finance and administration leadership.
Timeline
Director of Finance and Administration
Yale University
05.2017 - Current
Finance and Administrative Manager, Business Operations
Yale University
09.2013 - 05.2017
Accountant III
Child Study Center
06.2010 - 09.2013
Accountant II
Child Study Center
05.2008 - 06.2010
Financial Assistant IV
Child Study Center
11.2006 - 05.2008
Senior Administrative Assistant / Administrative Assistant
Department of Music
10.2004 - 06.2006
Master of Business Administration -
Post University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Computer Science & Psychology
Southern Connecticut State University