Financial Associate II

17-Aug-2022

Harvard Kennedy School

58506BR

Job Summary

The Financial Associate is a key member of the finance team at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School.  Reporting to the Senior Director for Finance, the Finance Associate performs diverse and complex accounting and financial duties with minimal supervision and works in coordination with multiple projects and programs at the Center with sources of funding that include restricted funds, grants, gifts, and contracts. The Financial Associate will be the first point of contact for Belfer Center Faculty, Staff and Fellows with questions on University, Kennedy School and Belfer Center financial policies and procedures. 

 The Belfer Center is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy.   The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy-relevant knowledge on these important challenges; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right but is also central to our ability to achieve our mission.  We seek candidates who share our values and are excited to contribute to our mission.

Position Description

Principal Financial Duties:

• Responsible for reviewing, processing, and approving all Center payments including vendor invoices, reimbursements, PCard and Citibank payments, and other accounts payable and receivables. Will research discrepancies as required. Verifies that transactions conform to University and department policies, including ensuring complete supporting documentation (business purpose, receipts, or contracts as required). Identifies expenses that may not comply with University or department policies and takes or recommends remedial action
• Serves as the principal source of information/guidance at the Center on fiscal policies and procedures related to reimbursements, invoices, PCards, and Citi card payments. Oversees integration of new Center employees with appropriate local Financial training and guidance.
• Assist the Senior Finance Director in preparing the Center’s annual budget submission.  Will work in liaison with Program Directors on annual project and program budgets.
• Working with Kennedy School Research Administration Office and the Senor Finance Director will work on the pre-award Sponsored Research process.  Role includes working with Program Directors on sponsored proposal budgets and submissions.
• Weekly review and approval of all Center Purchase Card transactions in accordance with University policies.
• Using Harvard's HART system to download reports, reconcile vendor payments, reimbursements, and CITI card payments.
• Prepare and process journal transfers to correct errors and reconcile funds; assist with year-end close transactions and monthly account review and reconciliation.
• Manages financial files per guidelines established by the Harvard Record Retention policy.

• Assist with preparation and approval of PeopleSoft forms for hiring of temporary employees and student hires. Weekly Time approval for all Temporary Hires and Student Employees.
• Responsible for the procurement of equipment; computers, copiers, phones and ensure proper maintenance of equipment, resolve any operating issues. Responsible for reviewing allocation of quarterly computer lease payments and monthly telecom charges to all Center units. Independently tracks and processes payments, ensuring each computer lease and telecom expenses are charged to the correct department.
• Manage procurement of various supplies for the general operation of the center, also manage the distribution and oversight of office keys to staff and research fellows
• Works directly with the Director of Communications in updating payments and status of the Belfer Center International Council Membership using Salesforce.

Basic Qualifications

A Minimum of 3 years of related experience in finance, accounting, or administration is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Knowledge of Harvard’s financial systems is strongly preferred. Knowledge of financial accounting and budget preparation is preferred.
A good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, with a minimum intermediate level Excel skillset.
Excellent financial, organizational, problem-solving, communication skills required
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to work collaboratively to build strong relationships with people at all levels across the Center and University.

Additional Information

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage

Salary Range: $57,809 - $91,990
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. 

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
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. Our teaching, research, and engagement with practitioners focus on these priorities:

• Protecting security, freedom, and human rights
• Strengthening democracy
• Advancing social justice
• Increasing economic well-being
• Enhancing sustainability
• Improving public leadership and management

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403127 Financial Associate II

Department

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to diversity, equity, and anti-racism.

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. Our teaching, research, and engagement with practitioners focus on these priorities:

• Protecting security, freedom, and human rights
• Strengthening democracy
• Advancing social justice
• Increasing economic well-being
• Enhancing sustainability
• Improving public leadership and management

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.