Reporting to the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, the Financial Analyst plays a key role at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute (HRI) by contributing expertise in financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and the management of restricted funds. The Financial Analyst exercises independent judgment and analytical skills, providing insightful data analysis and financial reports to facilitate informed decisions by senior management.
In a highly collaborative team atmosphere, the Financial Analyst partners with other financial staff to streamline and enhance financial processes, including close collaboration with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis on all aspects of the work. This includes participating in cross-departmental initiatives, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and implementing best practices in financial management. The analyst's efforts ensure financial integrity and compliance with university policies, ultimately supporting HRI's mission and financial sustainability.
Position-specific Duties and Core Responsibilities:
Helps facilitate the annual operating budget, multi-year financial plan, quarterly forecast, and fiscal year-end processes, completing the work with a high degree of independence.
Generates, reviews, and disseminates comprehensive departmental monthly financial reports.
Independently allocates, monitors, and forecasts restricted fund balances to aid in budget preparation, departmental spending, and donor stewardship reporting.
Prepares and maintains documentation and journal entries for the use of restricted funds.
Consults and collaborates with departments and finance team on financial inquiries, conduct analyses, and resolve budget variances.
Performs financial modeling and ad-hoc analyses; prepares management reports and financial presentations to support the CFO and senior leadership as needed
Ensures adherence to financial compliance within University policies and procedures, identifies and communicates potential risk areas.
Keeps current of all relevant federal, state and University regulations, laws and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified
Supports departmental needs through ad hoc projects and requests.
Demonstrates technical and analytical expertise, delivers timely follow-through on commitments, and provides excellent customer service.
Position-specific requirements:
Successful candidates will have a bachelor's degree preferably in finance, accounting, business, or a related field, and will have three to five years' experience in financial analysis and budget management. They will demonstrate:
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, primarily using advanced Excel
Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis and financial modeling; working knowledge of accounting principles
Experience with financial systems and data query tools
Proficiency in PowerPoint
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong customer service skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Experience with Oracle budgeting and reporting applications, including SmartView, a plus
Restricted fund management experience
Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to effectively manage time and prioritize across multiple projects simultaneously
Willingness to learn new financial programs and explore new methods for continual process improvement
Working Conditions
The work associated with this position is performed in an office environment.
The role demands flexibility outside the traditional 9-5 schedule particularly during budgeting cycles, end-of-quarter, and fiscal year-end periods.
Work is performed in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines and the need for accuracy.
Additional Information
Cover Letter:
Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Radcliffe Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when you are instructed by HARVARD CAREERS, Harvard's online application program to "Upload my resume/CV from my computer"
Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply before January 31 , 2025.
Interviews:
We hope to conduct interviews virtually in February 2025 and invite finalist candidates for on campus interviews. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.
About Us
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute's commitment to women, gender and society.
We are proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to achieving our goals through the efforts of a highly skilled, diverse workforce. With outstanding benefits, competitive pay,extensive learning opportunities, and a stimulating and attractive work environment, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University may be exactly the employer you have been looking for.
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.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: F0956P Financial Analyst II
Job Function: Finance
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
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.
