The Office of Financial Services ("OFS") at Harvard Kennedy School ("HKS") seeks a talented Accounting Manager to join our team. This position is part of a 14-person finance team and reports to the Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations. The OFS team oversees the financial operations of HKS and supports and facilitates decision-making at the highest levels in key areas of financial management and strategic planning.
Performs multiple diverse and complex accounting duties related to general ledger accounting, compliance, and reporting. Plays a vital role in overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies, and contributing to the accurate and transparent reporting of HKS's financial activities. Advises faculty, students, and staff on HKS and University policies and procedures related to assigned duties and provides outstanding customer service to stakeholders across campus.
General Ledger Accounting & Analysis:
Provides technical guidance and problem resolution for HKS financial community on various complex accounting matters.
Performs monthly account reconciliations, researching and resolving any noted variances.
Prepares journal entries in accordance with HKS and University policies and US GAAP, including monthly allocation entries to assess administrative fees for gifts and endowments and overhead share for sponsored funds.
Reviews and uploads internal transfer journal entries prepared by centers and departments.
Financial Close & Reporting:
Manages quarterly and year-end closing processes, including preparation of period end journal entries, review of accruals, completion of flux analysis and internal controls checklist, and coordination with centers and departments to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
Participates in internal and external audits and tax reporting, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
Provides periodic and ad hoc reports to management for use in operations and strategic decision making.
Internal Controls & Compliance:
Serves as lead technical expert on accounting standards, compliance regulations, and HKS and University policies and procedures.
Stays abreast of changes in accounting regulations and ensures the organization's adherence to relevant standards.
Ensures key financial internal controls are in place and operating effectively through periodic monitoring procedures.
Identifies opportunities for process improvement within the finance function and works collaboratively to implement enhancements.
Provides financial training for HKS faculty, administrators, and financial managers.
Other Duties:
Creates invoices in Oracle Accounts Receivable module upon request of centers and departments.
Represents HKS on various University committees and advisory groups.
Maintains a network of peers at other schools or in central administration to share and leverage best practices.
Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and other departments, to gather information and support overall business goals.
Participates in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience
Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Advanced degree (MBA or MS in Finance or Accounting) and/or CPA highly preferred.
In-depth understanding of GAAP accounting, regulatory requirements, and reporting as they relate to a higher education environment.
Familiarity with monitoring and audit functions relating to internal control compliance.
Previous experience with Harvard financial systems, grants management and federal/IRS compliance regulations preferred
7+ years related accounting/financial operations experience
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and ability to meet deadlines.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Experience working with advanced Excel functions.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to navigate in a decentralized environment and work effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Proven discretion with confidential information.
Ability to lead change management and positively influence diverse groups in a complex regulatory environment.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager. The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Salary Range: $87,700 - $150,900
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: F0058P Accountant IV
Job Function: Finance
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard Kennedy School's Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership-because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School's commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
