Financial Associate I (Payroll Specialist)

26-Apr-2024

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

65296BR

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist reports to the Manager of Payroll Operations, with the primary responsibility of processing the Faculty, Annual Appointees and Teaching Fellow payrolls at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH). This position reviews all payroll actions generated from the departments to ensure compliance with University/SPH policies and procedures, enters payroll actions into the payroll system, and serves as the expert for the Faculty, Annual Appointees and Teaching Fellow payrolls. The Specialist works as the liaison with all SPH employee types (faculty, staff and students), SPH's Office of Faculty Affairs, SPH's Human Resources Office, Central Payroll Office, Tax Office, International Office, Student Financial Services, etc. This position proactively reviews financial data for correct salary and retro-active payments, provides research, and investigates and resolves complicated issues. This role supports departments by addressing payroll questions and providing guidance; reconciles the Monthly and Teaching Fellow payroll transactions; serves as SPH Time Entry and Absence Management Systems Administrator; and provides back-up for other members of the payroll team.  

Position Description

Additional duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for reviewing and approving all data fields on Wasabi personnel transactions to ensure adherence to personnel/payroll policies and procedures for the Faculty, Annual Appointees and Teaching Fellow payrolls  
• Supports SPH departments by addressing Faculty, Annual Appointees and Teaching Fellow payroll issues and questions, as well as providing guidance on policies and procedures via formal or informal training as needed; participates in problem resolution of payroll operations issues; acts as primary back-up for the other payroll team member
• Serves as liaison between Financial Services and the SPH Community to resolve issues in a timely manner while maintaining productive and positive relationships
• Supports the Manager of Payroll Operations with payroll processing
• Ensures quality customer service to employees and departments
• Ensures financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations
• Performs other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

•  3+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Experience with financial systems; knowledge of HART and/or PeopleSoft is a strong plus
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; experience setting priorties, meeting deadlines and multi-tasking with minimal supervision
• Experience working independently and as part of a team
• Proven discretion with confidential information
• Proven customer service skills with a ready to adapt mindset
  

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
• Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Additional Information

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

Work Format Details

This position is eligible for 100% remote work. Employees may work from any 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 - Boston

Job Code

400110 Financial Associate I

Department

Office of Financial Services

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

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.

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