Financial Associate

28-Feb-2024

Harvard Law School

65011BR

Job Summary

The Harvard Law School (HLS) finance office plays a crucial role in maintaining the fiscal health and sustainability of the School. We provide financial expertise and partnership to faculty, students, and staff in support of teaching, learning, and research. With a commitment to customer service, integrity, sound controls, and a positive work environment, we strive to be a key resource to our HLS colleagues and to the broader University community.  

The Financial Associate is responsible for review and approval of all financial transactions generated by HLS’ full-time faculty and visiting faculty & lecturers, in addition to these transactions as generated by HLS’ Dean’s Office and several student-facing administrative departments. The Associate will be fully knowledgeable of Harvard University and HLS financial policies and will use judgment to determine whether transactions are allowable within those parameters.  

This role will work independently with minimal supervision in selecting and applying established procedures appropriately.  

Position Description

As a Financial Associate you will:  

• Serve as the primary financial contact for a portfolio of HLS departments, including all faculty and other senior level members of the HLS community;  
• Closely monitor and review financial transactions for accuracy, completeness, and allowability including invoice payments via B2P, University-issued credit cards via Concur, and cash receipts. 
  • Troubleshoot systems or process issues with faculty assistants and other support staff;  
  • Advise on financial policy matters and escalates policy concerns as appropriate 

• Understand University financial policies and guides HLS departments accordingly, collaborating among peers in the finance office to ensure consistency of policy interpretation 
• In partnership with the Event and Finance Manager in Faculty Support Services, develop and host initial and ongoing training sessions for faculty assistants and other support staff  
• Lead the faculty allowance process, including communicating beginning of year balances, preparing regular reports, monitoring transactions, and fielding/troubleshooting inquiries on faculty balances  
• Lead and monitor appointment and payroll process for non-employee visiting fellows, who are temporary members of HLS’ research community
• Continually observe financial operations with a lens of process improvement, and in partnership with peers in the finance office, makes recommendations for workflow changes, as appropriate  
• Provide other financial expertise or support to peers in the finance office as needed, including processing journals, documenting processes, etc.  
• Support the Director of Financial Faculty Services & Administration as needed in a variety of financial administration workflows as well as partner with colleagues on priority projects to support the annual and long-range goals for the finance office 

Basic Qualifications

Three or more years of related experience. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:  

• A college degree, with business, finance, or accounting training a plus. 
• Experience in demonstrating a strong attention to detail. 
• A commitment to a high standard of customer service and can exercise sound judgement. 
• The ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information with discretion. 
• Strong computer and analytical skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources. 

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School  is a place where you can thrive.

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.

Job Function

Finance, General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

400110 Financial Associate I

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

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.

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