Yale is entrusted with responsibly managing its finances to advance our mission. Our commitment to ethical business practices and adherence to laws and regulations ensures that every member of our community utilizes university resources thoughtfully and effectively. In support of this, the financial management of units relies on a consistent and cohesive management structure across the University. Strong financial oversight is dependent on the partnership of the key financial leaders of the units, which include the Unit Leader, the Finance Functional Leader, and the Lead Administrator. This financial leadership framework emphasizes the importance of everyone’s role in building a culture of financial stewardship and ensures that all financial activities are conducted with integrity and in line with university standards.
The Unit Leader (UL) is the executive officer of the Unit, responsible and accountable for overall direction and performance, including Financial Management. This individual is typically the dean, director, chair, or vice president of a Unit and is accountable for its overall success, including but not limited to academic, operational, financial, safety, compliance, reputation, and culture.
The Finance Functional Leader (FFL) is the individual responsible and accountable for providing broader financial oversight of multiple Units and supporting Financial Management for the Unit when needed. This individual is the senior financial strategic leader outside the Unit who manages the Financial Management reporting line of the LA in coordination with the UL. The job title of an individual in this role may vary based on where they sit in the University’s organizational structure.
Lead Administrator (LA) is the most senior administrator, other than the UL, in a Unit or shared business office with accountability for the Financial Management of the Unit. The LA may have other administrative responsibilities for the Unit in addition to Financial Management, e.g., human resources, technology, facilities, etc.
These leaders oversee the financial operations of our units and align them with Yale’s institutional goals. Together, these leaders foster a connected and cohesive financial management structure across Yale, promoting transparency, efficiency, and adherence to Yale policy and ethical practices. To learn more about this financial management model, refer to Policy 1102 Financial Management Organizational Model.