Financial Assistant

06-Feb-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

64826BR

Job Summary

Performs diverse and complex accounting, customer service, and office support duties. Using university financial systems/tools prepares varied financial reports that require selection, preparation, and interpretation of data using data query tools. Provides guidance to department members on appropriate financial processes and procedures and advises faculty, students, or staff on existing options or alternatives. Processes all payments. Ensures the smooth day-to-day flow of work and communication within the unit and helps faculty with concur issues. Serves as the department expert on Buy2Pay and other Harvard financial software

Position Description

• Responsible for processing all payments, including vendor invoices, individual reimbursements, and other accounts payable and receivables, and research discrepancies as required.
• Maintains accounting record-keeping systems and procedures for tracking and reporting, including identifying potential issues and bringing those to the attention of the Finance Administrator.
• Contributes to other administrative areas as needed.
• Responsible for setting people up as vendors as needed.
• Will act as liaison to the Administrative Support Group (ASG) and work closely with their financial associate to process and track spending.
• Monitors balances and communicates as needed.
• Under the direction of the financial administrator, is responsible for processing required paperwork for faculty courtesy appointments including visiting faculty, associate, and affiliate appointments), postdoc, and research assistant.
• Responsible for depositing checks.
• Serves as a source of finance policy information for faculty and staff.
• Under the director of the Financial Administrator
  • Produces financial data, providing research and data analysis to present use in planning and decision-making.
  • Implements an audit function to assure accuracy and compliance with internal and external regulations.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience.
• Computer competency requiring spreadsheet and database software required. May be tested on appropriate computer skills.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Preferred:
• Good written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Good customer service skills.

• Additional:
• Ability to work as a member of a team in cooperation with a wide range of people, from administrative staff to students and faculty.
• Experience in an academic or research environment is preferred.
• Experience with Harvard University systems is helpful.

Additional Information

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.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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

400103 Accounting Assistant V

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

History of Science

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, 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.

EEO 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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-JB1