Financial Analyst

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.

Campus Services

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.

Campus Services Finance & Administration Department (CSFA)

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

The Financial Analyst works independently on key components of the Harvard Real Estate (HRE) business unit and reports to the HRE 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 (40%)

• Reviews transactions for compliance and accuracy.
• Supports administration of capitalized projects and capital planning.
• Responds 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 (25%)

• 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 (15%)

• 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 for the financial manager and key metrics as requested.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Multi-Year Financial Planning (15%)

• 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 annual the multi-year financial plan process.

Other (5%)

• 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.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 3 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.  

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in finance/accounting preferred
• Strong knowledge of accounting, combined with exceptional analytical skills and financial modeling skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify financial issues and apply them to operational causes and develop best practice solutions. 
• 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.
• Proactive and able to manage multiple responsibilities, set priorities, take initiative and meet deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills including in-depth understanding of, and experience with, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and scheduling/email software packages.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, CORI, References

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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 056. 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.