Senior Financial Analyst, Executive Education

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a collaborative, highly organized, and detail-oriented Senior Financial Analyst to lead the department’s annual planning processes – budget, forecast, multi-year – prepare reports and summaries, and provide analysis for decision support. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance and Administration, successful candidates will be a strong communicator, curious and persistent, have strong accounting skills, and be proactive and capable of leading tasks and projects. This is a great role for someone looking to lead a budget process. HKS is a vibrant and values-driven community, and we actively seek applications from candidates who demonstrate a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive culture.

Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (HKS Exec Ed) is the premier worldwide source for executive-level leadership development focused on public service.  Exec Ed operates as a department within HKS and provides 80+ programs ranging from 1 to 4 weeks in length to 4500+ participants each year. Programs are delivered online, in-person, or a combination of both, and are offered as open enrollment via an admissions process or as custom programs focused on the needs of public service or government organizations, sponsors, or donors. Exec Ed is a critical piece of the HKS mission to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous.   Programs are led by faculty and attract accomplished public leaders from around the world, with roles in the government, nonprofit, multilateral and corporate sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)

• In close collaboration with the Senior Director of Finance and Administration, lead the annual budget and reforecast process for the department, ensuring accuracy and compliance with school policies and guidance.
• Participate in the annual multi-year financial plan (5 years).
• Lead a process to assure that all  internal agreements with faculty and other schools/centers are well-documented and transparent.
• Perform periodic financial forecasts.
• Review ad/hoc budgets for potential new programs, providing guidance and recommendations on pricing options.
• Support or lead other financial planning or reporting processes such as setting tuition prices, Veterans Affairs benefits pricing catalog, department’s Annual Report, and review of financial policies.
• Maintain an annual financial planning calendar.
• Create, maintain, and present reports and summaries that support financial and strategic decision-making by department leadership
• Review processes and provide recommendations on changes to improve efficiency or cost effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key contacts and groups from around the department, school, and University to maintain best practices and more quickly achieve goals and objectives.
• Assist the Senior Director of Finance and Administration and the Accounting Team with project work and other ad/hoc requests.
• Provide periodic support and assist with special projects for Harvard Kennedy School’s Office of Financial Services (OFS) team.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated computer skills using Microsoft Office suite and the internet and willingness/ability to learn and adapt to new software and technologies.
• Capacity to manage, prioritize, and respond to internal customers in a timely manner.
• Must be efficient, proactive, and have strong attention to detail, as well as be able to multi-task and to meet firm deadlines.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Experience with Salesforce a plus.
• Experience with SmartView a plus.

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position has the option of working a hybrid work schedule with 2 remote workdays per week, with the possibility of adding a 3rd remote day in the future.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. 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. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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.