The Senior Finance Associate is a permanent member of the Center for Ethics' staff and will report to and work closely with the Director of Business Operations in support of the smooth and effective management of the Center's financial operations. The Center is an inter-faculty initiative with new and developing partnerships within the Harvard environment, and this role supports the Director of Business Operations with relevant financial arrangements with partners as well as a diverse range of both day-to-day and longer-term financial functions, including financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, planning, compliance, monitoring, internal systems and financial administration. Importantly, the Finance Associate will assist the Director of Business Operations with financial management problem-solving, data collection and analyses, helping inform Center leadership on resource allocation and decision making. This position will work with diverse funding sources, including but not limited to gifts, endowments, sponsored awards, restricted and unrestricted fund types and is tasked with monitoring and reconciling these funds and advising on spending strategies and proper use.
Position Description
Financial Transactions
Process all payment requests, ensuring timely payment and compliance with University and ELSCE policies - including, honoraria payments, vendor invoices, employee and non-employee reimbursements, fellowship payments.
Handle/troubleshoot supplier set-up and updates in Buy2Pay (resolving issues in a timely manner) and serve as resource to Center staff on payment requests and supplier set-up.
Maintain tracking system for all payments requests.
Review corporate card reports and reconcile department card transactions in Concur.
Serve as the Center's P-Card administrator, including, submit applications, review monthly transactions, maintain receipts, answer questions and serve as resource to all cardholders.
Serve as delegate for Executive Director in Concur for reimbursements and corporate card transactions.
Collaborate with external departments on co-sponsored activities and cross-validated arrangements.
Financial Administration
Assists with fiscal year-end accounting and reconciliation, and other financial administration and financial operations tasks as assigned.
Apply financial policies, compliance, and accounting procedures to ensure financial compliance with Center, FAS, and University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations.
Works closely with Director of Business Operations to draft and implement departmental financial policies and procedures.
Reviews financial data/transactions for compliance with fund terms and conditions, funding availability, and fund allocation, and accuracy; makes corrections, when necessary, by preparing journals.
Serve as a resource to Center staff on transactional inquires and financial/budgetary questions that require problem-solving and analytic capability.
Makes recommendations on effective use of financial tools such as Chart of Accounts.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Design, produce and distribute financial reports to help inform Center leadership on resource allocation and decision making.
Perform financial analysis and modeling to forecast income and expenses and report on financial status through quarterly variance analysis of budgeted, forecasted, and actual financial data.
Identify spending trends, recognizing potential budget or compliance issues, and make recommendations for informed, appropriate, and planful fund management, and other improvements and changes based on the information gleaned from analysis.
Prepare varied financial reports including budget-to-actuals and highlight key issues for Center leadership.
Perform ad-hoc financial analyses as needed.
Budgeting and Forecasting
Works closely with Director of Business Operations to assist with preparation of annual budget documents and all budget-related processes.
Assists with development of domain or project-specific budgets as needed.
Performs financial analysis and modeling to forecast income and expenses; assists with multi-year forecasting.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate Excel skills
Working knowledge of basic financial administration principles
Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools
Ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced, constantly changing environment
Strong attention to details, accuracy and organization
Identify and solve problems quickly and accurately
Connection to and appreciation for ELSCE's core values of collaboration, joy, responsiveness, compassion and trust
Working Conditions
This position offers hybrid remote/in person work flexibility. There is an expectation that employees be able to work in person in Cambridge, MA at least one day per week, though on-site presence may be adjusted based upon business needs. Schedule details will be discussed during the interview process.
Additional Information
Please submit a cover letter with your application.
We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
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)
#LI-JB1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 403127 Financial Associate II
Job Function: Finance
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Social Sciences
Salary Grade: 055
Department: Center for Ethics
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
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.
