Financial Associate

21-Jul-2023

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

62294BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Financial Manager, the position is part of a team supporting Harvard College Admissions and Financial Aid Office’s financial operations. 

The Financial Associate serves as the general finance contact for a large department, interacting with offices across the university and Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), and enables the timely and accurate processing of financial transactions and reconciliations. In addition, the roles acts as an internal subject matter expert on financial policy, procedures, and student employee payroll, providing guidance to staff and ensuring compliance.

Position Description

• Handle daily operations for the Finance team, including processing and approving purchase orders and invoice payments, reimbursements, credit card transactions, and student employee payroll; serve as petty cash custodian.
• Serve as the principal source of information on financial policies and procedures and provide guidance to Admissions and Financial Aid staff and student employees; manage the Finance team email account. 
• Manage student hiring and payroll processes; serve as the primary contact for FAS Payroll and local staff supervisors. 
• Develop job aids and provide training on student payroll, financial transactions, corporate credit cards, and financial policy and procedures. 
• Monitor General Ledger for accounting consistencies and troubleshoot to resolution, assist with quarterly review, and approve internal journal transfer payments. 
• Assist with hiring and supervising temporary/seasonal staff to support financial operations. 
• Facilitate staff financial onboarding and offboarding. 
• Participate in financial year-end processes and other duties as required. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 
• Minimum of 1 year relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal); ability to develop relationships and collaborate with diverse constituents across all levels
• Demonstrated customer service orientation 
• Strong professional judgment, attention to detail, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and be adaptable; strong time management and organizational skills to meet competing deadlines 
• Interest in and/or prior experience with financial operations and systems helpful 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• Proficiency with office and collaboration tools, as well as administrative systems, necessary

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision for computer use for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

• Work may be performed primarily remotely, but will require in-person attendance for activities, such as new hire onboarding and fall staff orientation. (Note: The office does not reimburse employees for commuting/lodging expenses related to on-campus activities.) 
• Some evening/weekend work during peak periods and holidays may be required. 
• Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (e.g., CT, MA, ME, NH, RI and VT etc.) 

Additional Information

In order to be considered for this position, please demonstrate basic qualifications are met. Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed. 

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

All formal offers will be made by FAS HR. 

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The Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Employment Office of Harvard College is committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In order to recruit and admit a diverse class, as well as support students' equitable access to educational experiences, we strive toward Harvard University's goal of inclusive excellence. We affirm that a rich learning and working environment can only result from a diverse community where all are supported in being their authentic, true selves and empowered to contribute fully to our shared goals and achievements.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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

400110 Financial Associate I

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

College Admissions and Financial Aid

Sub-Unit

Admissions and Financial Aid

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.