Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with University and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Finance in Central Finance and Administration the Senior Financial Analyst will work closely with the core Central Administration Units (e.g., Human Resources, Alumni Affairs and Development, Financial Administration) to help executives at the highest levels of the University answer strategic questions related to these groups; analyze their multi-year plans and budgets; and evaluate financial performance. Central Finance and Administration, broadly oversees the budgeting, reporting and strategic financial management needs of Harvard’s Central Administration, supporting the Assistant VP for Finance and Administration and the Executive VP. This position will also partner with various stakeholders across the Center to drive consistency in operational policy and practice across Central Administration

Central Administration Financial Analysis

• Develop an in-depth understanding of Central Administration's financial structure to frame key questions for leadership and provide objective analytic support.
• Support the Associate Director of Finance with the development of the Central Administration multi-year financial plan, budget, and forecasts for the Assistant VP for Finance and Administration and the Executive VP, including guidelines, presentations, briefing memos, summary financials, and related metrics.
• Design and deliver presentations that educate central leadership on financial and strategic considerations and options, facilitating informal and formal dialogue as needed.
• Manage core Central Administration quarterly reporting and forecasting, engaging with the Units to understand issues; identifying key themes for presentation; and providing overall assessment of financial condition.
• Consult with the Units on critical strategic questions that require thoughtful problem solving and analytic capabilities.
• Partner with the University’s Office for Financial Strategy and Planning on large-scale projects and initiatives for Harvard’s Finance Committee, Corporation, and other senior leaders (e.g., CFO, EVP, President)

• Serve as the financial policy and procedure liaison and communication hub for Central Administration, providing trainings and guidance, establishing Central Administration stakeholder groups for knowledge sharing, and staying abreast of University accounting and policy updates.
• Support the development of consistent Central Administration financial and operational policies and serve as a Central Administration advisor and vocal contributor in University policy and operational forums and committees, such as the Financial Policy Review Committee and the Financial Managers Forum.
• Serve as the Central Administration contact for accounting inquiries and have a general awareness of technical accounting matters that may require Controller's Office expertise.
• On a quarterly basis, perform closing journal entries, balance sheet inquiries, flux analyses and reconciliations for Central Administration, satisfying quarterly accounting deliverables.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Candidates must be able to demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in financial analysis and written communications.
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to work in a relationship-based, customer service-oriented organization highly valued.
• Advanced skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required. Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in giving presentations and/ or providing training.
• Must be self-starter, well organized, flexible, and able to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work setting.
• Applicant should also have collaborative working style with strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with financial systems and database tools (e.g., Oracle, Hyperion), and demonstrated experience leveraging tools for budgeting and reporting.
• Proven ability to quickly assimilate new technology and/or applications a plus.

FAD actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

More about FAD:

Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.

Within our own community, we aspire to:

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity
• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility
• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units.

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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.

Finance

USA - MA - Cambridge

F0958P Financial Analyst IV

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Central Finance and Administration

-

Full-time

058

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Education, Identity

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.

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.