Assistant Director of Financial Administration and Operations

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, this position is responsible for advanced analytical reporting, and financial operations for a portfolio of Units within the Office of the President & Provost Finance & Admin (OPP) operations. Working as a collaborative and constructive partner, this position provides guidance for monitoring, and compliance, including the analysis and review of financial performance and year- end results. The Assistant Director of Financial Administration and Operations supports the OPP Finance & Admin office mission most effectively by working closely with Unit administrators, consolidating, and summarizing data, producing financial reports, presenting recommendations, and assisting with organization-wide analysis, and training development.

Core Duties

• Financial Operations – Perform central accounting functions including capital project oversight, payroll approvals, space management, procurement, reimbursements, or other functions; serve as the Asset manager overseeing all functions of the Oracle asset system; oversee access to financial systems, providing training as needed; identify operational challenges; research and implement solutions.
• Financial Analysis and Reporting – Prepare complex financial reports using query tools and University reporting systems and systematically develops, validate, and distribute reports to appropriate stakeholders; assist with the month-end and quarterly closing processes, reconciliation and reporting requirements; manage quarterly accruals, journal entry inventory, processing, review, and approval.
• Internal Controls – Maintain a strong internal control environment through review, analysis, revision, and documentation of policies and processes; oversee existing SAS 115 initiatives to ensure compliance with internal and external audit requirements (e.g., Financial Close controls, Payroll controls, Endowment Gift Spending controls, Fixed Assets, Accounting controls, Journal Entry review).
• Compliance – Ensure financial compliance with university policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulations; assist with audit and tax compliance requests, and financial statement attestation.
• Provide guidance, management, and oversight of one or more financial functions. May develop and manage budget(s)
• Representation - Represent OPP on University committees as needed.
• Responsible for training and development and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Conduct ad-hoc analysis and special projects as needed.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of advanced financial operations principles
• A collaborative working style with excellent interpersonal, consultative and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• An openness to learning and developing new approaches

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 
  • Candidates selected for further consideration may be required to submit additional materials and/or complete assessments or presentations as part of the hiring process.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.