The Interim Director of Accounting and Financial Operations is responsible for the strategic direction of accounting, payroll and control activities within the Office of Financial Services (OFS) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). They will report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and assist in the three general areas of internal controls, operational management, and compliance. The successful candidate has a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, has a passion for innovation and is a strong manager of people, able to navigate difficult conversations and support a team with diverse skills and experience. We are dedicated to building and fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture and we seek candidates who share this goal and will contribute to the excellence of our community.
Specific duties include:
Work with finance colleagues at HKS and across the University to ensure high levels of customer service by providing professional, timely, and accurate financial services.
Responsible for effective management of a team of seven accounting staff (exempt and non-exempt) including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
Monitor accounting control processes and procedures that ensure compliance with University and HKS policies and procedures.
Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and adherence to GAAP, including quarterly and annual close reporting.
Advise HKS leadership on aspects of financial matters including regulatory and compliance issues.
Manage administration of HKS payroll and accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense reports and other reimbursement processing.
Maintain School's chart of accounts.
Furnish internal reports, revise and update reports to be more useful and efficient as necessary. Serve as a resource within HKS in the extraction of data and in the development of useful management reports.
Ensure financial compliance with University policy and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulations.
This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience
Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools.
Knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations.
Excellent communication skills and ability to establish clear direction, deliver difficult messages with grace, and encourage compliance and good citizenship.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
Experience in fund accounting preferred.
MBA or Master's degree in relevant field preferred.
CPA preferred.
Strongest reputation for integrity, honest dealing and confidentiality.
Ability to orchestrate multiple activities simultaneously to get things done through both formal and informal channels.
Demonstrated collegiality and ability to collaborate with people of varying levels of authority in multiple organizations.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting
Additional Information
This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire.
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.
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: F0159M Controller Mgt V
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.
