Financial Administrator

15-Apr-2024

Campus Services

65614BR

Position Description

Position Summary : 

The Financial Administrator provides overall financial and administrative oversight for the Office of Sustainability (OFS).  This role reports to the director of OFS, with additional oversight and support provided by Campus Services Finance and Administration (CSFA).  The Financial Administrator serves as the first point of contact for all financial and business-related enquiries from across the University for OFS.  

Core Duties:  

• Perform financial analysis and modeling to forecast revenue, expenses, and income for multi-faceted budgets.  
• Develop and design financial reports for management.  
• Perform financial operations that may include payroll, accounting, account payable/receivable, procurement, research administration etc.  
• Develop, forecast, and administer complex budgets.  
• Verify budgets, identify, analyze, and resolve discrepancies. 
• Provide management with recommendations in the development of financial policies. 
• Provide technical advice and problem resolution on financial administration.  
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations.  
• Provide training to staff and clients.  

Budgeting Planning and Accounting :  

• In partnership with OFS leadership, prepare and submit annual and multi-year budget deliverables to CSFA, including Harvard University Budgeting System (HUBS) submission and narrative.   
• Lead the overall internal budget process for OFS business teams and OFS multi-year funds.  
• Work with OFS senior leadership including CSFA oversight to:   
  • Build out and document the client sustainability services (fee-for-service) and other programs’ policies and procedures. 
  • Provide financial administration for the implementation of the sustainability chargebackprogram to meet Harvard’s voluntary & regulatory climate goals.  
  • Support various funding models e.g. forecast and track Harvard’s Green Revolving Fund (GRF), a $12 million revolving fund that provides capital for high-performance campus design, operations, and maintenance.   

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year close accounting journals, including preparation of the year end narrative. 
• Oversee and approve department spending in accordance with budget (including purchasing cards, corporate cards, and vendor payments), following up with vendors as needed. 
• Generate billing for various OFS programs.  
• Reconcile operating accounts, gift funds, and other strategic funds including reporting of available balances and identifying opportunities for cost-savings across business teams.  
• Work with director to assist with HR and payroll issues and facilities and space planning. 
• Perform other duties and work on special projects, as needed. 

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Qualifications/Skills Preferred :  

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing or supporting a program budget. 
• 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. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities, set priorities, take initiative, and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively independently and as a team member, keen attention to detail, high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and general ability to respond to emerging opportunities and barriers in a constantly changing fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent judgment and ability to work on highly confidential data. 
• Familiarity with Peoplesoft, Concur, Oracle and Buy-to-Pay systems. 
• Interest in sustainability industry trends.  

Technology Skills Required :  

• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of MS Office Suite, in-depth understanding of Excel including pivot tables, scheduling/email software packages, databases, and ability to learn additional software as needed.

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation : This role is considered non-essential and may be eligible for flex-work arrangements in accordance with departmental policies and manager approval. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.

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 - Cambridge

Job Code

F0857P Financial Administrator III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Office for Sustainability

Department

Office For Sustainability

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Employment, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

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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