Get to know Ruth Philo

November 30, 2022

Ruth Philo joined Yale in September of 2022. She recently shared with us what her team has been working on since their transition to Finance and even shared some fun facts about herself!

Q. What work does your team focus on?  

A. We provide risk-based and objective assurance and advice on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, internal controls, and business processes. In other words, we are here to help management achieve its objectives in support of Yale’s mission. Through a combination of assurance and consulting, we look beyond financial risks and statements to help the university proactively anticipate and address risk, enable business and process improvements, and support the viability of university operations.

We are excited to be part of the Finance organization. It allows us to collaborate real-time with management on important initiatives such as OneFinance, and it turns out the people in Finance are actually a lot of fun to be around!

Q. Which other teams/areas do you work with most frequently?

A. While our work could take us anywhere in the university, the teams we work with most frequently include, Procurement, the Controller’s Office, Human Resources, Office of Sponsored Projects, Office of General Counsel Information Technology Services, and Enterprise Risk Management/Compliance.

Q. What do you love most about your team?

A. Their passion for learning and using that knowledge to make Yale a better place.

Q. What projects are you looking forward to in the coming year?

A. All of them!

Q. Have you had any fun /memorable moments in your time here at Yale?

A. The Yale Campus tour with Timmy and winning a prize for our Crime Scene décor at the Halloween Trick or Treat event.

Q. Any fun facts about yourself?

A. Around 2005, after attending an interesting workshop at a Women’s Conference, I signed on for “improv training” with the workshop leader. After completing four levels of improv training over four years, I “graduated” and with the improv instructor as our guide, six of us formed an improv troupe. In the next few years, our troupe put on about four live performances (open to the public!) at the Broadway Comedy Club in Manhattan. Improv not only enhanced my listening and observation skills but also taught me the power of “Yes and…”