Financial Analyst at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Financial Analyst

Req ID: 65832BR

School or Unit: Campus Services

Description: Position Description

Organizational Context: Campus Services provides essential services to the Harvard community. The 14 Campus Services departments have approximately 1,800 active employees (70% of staff are represented by eight unions) and a combined annual budget of more than $700 million. These departments provide stewardship, strategic support, and client/customer services in the areas of buildings and facilities, graduate housing, capital projects, sustainability, parking, engineering and utilities, dining, hospitality and events management, and international support.

The Campus Services Finance & Administration Department (CSFA) provides accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and planning, procurement, taxes and financial administrative support services to the Campus Services business units and the customers they serve. The organization is comprised of 3 main functions: Controller, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Procurement.

Duties and Responsibilities: The Financial Analyst works independently on key components of a large unit (or portfolio of units) and reports to a Financial Manager. Excellent customer service, responsiveness, patience, organizational and follow-through skills as well as comfort and proficiency navigating new and existing financial systems are essential to this role.

General Financial Duties

• Reviews transactions for compliance and accuracy.
• Supports administration of capitalized projects.
• Respond to unit inquiries regarding spending, balances, and budget categories.
• Serve as a policy resource for assigned units, advises on transaction appropriateness, and makes recommendations about best mechanisms for all transactions.
• Provide training on financial models, financial systems, policies & procedures.

Month End Close

• Review business income statements with financial manager and research & explain unbudgeted expenses or other variances as requested.
• Attend customer meetings to review financials.
• Prepare journal vouchers and reclasses as identified through the monthly review process.

Financial Reporting

• Review business income statements with financial manager and research & explain unbudgeted items.
• Complete year end analysis and provide detailed explanations of business line variances versus budget.
• Assist Financial Manager with preparation of year-end report. Prepare supporting schedules and update all business performance metrics & graphs.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis to inform budget assumptions.
• Prepare standard monthly reports to the financial manager of key metrics.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Multi-Year Financial Planning

• Assist with the preparation of budget worksheets for business manager input.
• Prepare quarterly financial reviews and re-forecasts. Research and describe variances.
• Work with business managers and other internal groups to gather information and budget for all revenue & expense categories.
• Load all data into the budget system and review financial models to ensure accuracy.
• Assist Financial Manager with preparation of budget narratives. Prepare supporting schedules and business performance metrics & graphs.
• Assist Financial Manager with the annual multi-year financial plan process.

Other

• Work with business managers on various special projects and analysis as necessary.
• Develop knowledge and skills in the use of new and existing business-specific and/or University systems that support transactions and/or reports necessary for accurate business accounting.
• Team with the Campus Services Controller's department and/or other Harvard departments to improve business processes and systems.
• Assist in the documentation, implementation, and communication of accounting procedures in conjunction with improving existing procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Requirements:

• BS in finance/accounting preferred, 3 years financial experience required.
• Strong knowledge of accounting required, combined with exceptional analytical skills and financial modeling skills. Must have demonstrated ability to identify financial issues and apply them to operational causes; work with manager to develop best practice solutions.
• The ideal candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment, and keen attention to detail.
• Must be able to manage multiple responsibilities, set priorities, take initiative and meet deadlines.
• Must have excellent computer skills including in-depth understanding of, and experience with, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and scheduling/email software packages.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate Excel skills
• Working knowledge of budget management, financial analysis, financial modeling and basic accounting principles
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Remote Work: This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 2 days per week to promote face to face interaction with team members and clients. Any remote work should be performed in Massachusetts or in compliance with Harvard's Out of State Employment Policy.

Additional Information

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: F0956P Financial Analyst II

Job Function: Finance

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Salary Grade: 056

Department: Administration and Finance


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Employment, Identity

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

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.

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