Jonathan Heleno

Jonathan Heleno, CPA, MBA, CGMA is a seasoned financial leader with more than 20 years of experience helping complex organizations strengthen their financial strategy, improve operations, and deliver on their mission. He currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Financial Planning and Budgeting at Washington University in St. Louis, where he oversees a $5 billion budget and helps guide the university’s long-range financial planning and strategic initiatives.

Before joining WashU, Jon was Deputy Controller at Columbia University, leading financial reporting, audit, and compliance for one of the country’s premier research institutions. Earlier in his career, he held senior finance roles at Stryker and Mars, Inc., where he managed global teams, led large-scale process improvements, and delivered multimillion-dollar savings through strategic planning and operational efficiency. He began his career with Ernst & Young and Andersen, building a strong foundation in accounting and financial reporting.

Jon holds an MBA in Finance from Montclair State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from St. Peter’s College. A CPA and CGMA, he’s known for his collaborative leadership style, thoughtful approach to problem-solving, and ability to connect financial strategy to organizational goals.