Robert Grembowitz

Experience

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  Schering-Plough

  Jun 2009 - Aug 2009

  Intern, Global Quality Specifications

  •Analyzed raw material, API, excipient, analytical, and microbiological specifications from FDA-regulated sites to ensure alignment with current compendia.

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  YouthBuild Newark

  Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

  Bridging the Gaps Intern

  •Developed a healthy behaviors curriculum for at-risk youth ages 16-24 which covered reproductive and sexual health, substance abuse, mental illness, and access to social services.•Provided math and language arts tutoring to students in preparation for GED testing.•Developed comprehensive student drug policy and conducted health information sessions.

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  Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative - DNDi

  Sept 2012 - May 2013

  Development Intern

  •Maintained donor database, including contact profile cleanup, gift, and donor communications entry.•Performed prospect research primarily on foundations and high net worth individuals to strengthen the private fundraising pipeline in North America.•Strengthened fundraising systems and tools, including leading the submission of the successful Charity Seal Program application to New York Better Business Bureau, recognizing DNDi as an accredited charity. •Provided administrative support in the execution of private fundraising events, board meetings, and conferences. Show less

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  Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

  May 2013 - Oct 2020

  •Oversees the day-to-day activities of the internal audit function; manages an international team to implement annual audit plan•Conducts audits of DNDi offices, implementing partner organizations, vendors, and other third parties; proposes practical recommendations to address control weaknesses and process inefficiencies•Supports finance & accounting activities in regional offices, specifically in matters related to accountancy check and validation, internal control, system, development of policies and procedures, and legal entity support•Develops financial processes and procedures at regional offices; ensures that procedures align with DNDi Internal Control System Show less •Managed all financial processes including general ledger journal entry, back-up documentation and coding, payment processing, bank and credit card reconciliation, and donor financial reporting. •Responsible for the year end closing of accounts in preparation for the annual financial audit; served as the primary liaison between executive management, Board of Directors, and independent auditing firm.•Established and tracked program and annual operating budgets, conducted biannual budget revisions to ensure expenditure alignment and the availability of funds.•Served as lead on all Human Resource activities including monthly payroll processing, benefits administration, recruitment, employment visa applications, and oversaw the on-boarding and exiting of staff and consultants. •Led procurement activities originating from the North America region; negotiated and managed contracts with vendors and consultants, including IT, audit and tax preparation, fiduciary advisory services, and branding and marketing firms. •Provided support across all departments including travel, event planning and execution, and support for the development and submission of private and public (USAID) funding applications. Show less

  • Senior Financial Control Officer

    Dec 2017 - Oct 2020

  • Senior Finance & Administration Coordinator

    May 2013 - Mar 2018
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  Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative - DNDi

  Oct 2020 - now

  Internal Controls and Audits•Directed comprehensive Internal Control Review (ICR) processes, ensuring organizational adherence to control frameworks.•Led the development and execution of ICR annual audit plans, collaborating cross-departmentally for scoping and reporting.•Delivered recommendations to address control deficiencies and inefficiencies, influencing executive decision-making and process enhancements.Risk Management•Spearheaded the development of DNDi’s Risk Appetite Model, tailoring risk tolerance thresholds to align with strategic objectives and organizational values.•Implemented processes to assign risk appetite ratings to entity-level risks, enabling structured, consistent assessments and prioritization of mitigation efforts.•Partnered in global risk assessments, implementing proactive frameworks to mitigate operational and financial risks.•Promoted organizational risk culture through education and alignment of practices with emerging trends.•Consulted on critical initiatives, including crisis management planning and due diligence on partnerships.Compliance Oversight•Designed and implemented a robust global compliance strategy, aligned with organizational priorities and risk mitigation needs.•Monitored compliance performance, ensuring alignment with policies and global standards through KPI-based reporting.•Managed sanctions screening and whistleblowing mechanisms, fostering ethical practices and accountability.Policy and Procedure Governance•Owned and maintained the global DNDi Policy and Procedure Management Framework, enabling accessible, effective risk-mitigating protocols.•Coordinated regular updates and training to ensure compliance and operational efficiency across departments. Show less Internal Control Review (ICR)•Led the planning, execution, and reporting of annual Internal Control Review (ICR) activities, ensuring adherence to established frameworks and standards.•Conducted reviews of internal processes, partner organizations, and vendor operations, identifying risks and proposing actionable recommendations.•Developed and enhanced tools to support ICR functions, streamlining processes for improved organizational efficiency.•Delivered consolidated findings to senior management and the Audit Committee, influencing strategic decision-making and risk mitigation efforts.• Provided training to the ICR team, fostering expertise in audit standards Internal Control System and Policies•Coordinated the development, review, and implementation of DNDi’s finance-related SOPs and processes across regional offices.•Aligned internal control documentation with global standards, ensuring effective risk mitigation and process efficiency.Financial Management and Oversight•Supervised North America’s budget development process, ensuring compliance with timelines and strategic goals.•Oversaw statutory audits, validated financial statements, and ensured timely follow-up on findings to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.•Collaborated with fundraising teams to develop proposal budgets and ensure accurate financial reporting for donor submissions.Capacity Building and Support•Strengthened financial operations across DNDi offices, providing guidance on accountancy controls, internal policies, and ad-hoc support needs.•Served as a key liaison between regional offices, external stakeholders, and the global finance team to ensure consistency in financial practices. Show less

  • Senior Manager, Risk, Compliance, & Internal Control

    Mar 2024 - now

  • Financial Control Manager

    Oct 2020 - Mar 2024