Accounting Manager

$87,700 - $150,900/Yr

Harvard University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Boston, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Office of Financial Services (OFS) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is seeking a talented Accounting Manager to join our dynamic finance team. This position is integral to a 14-person team and reports directly to the Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations. The OFS team is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of HKS, which includes supporting and facilitating decision-making at the highest levels in key areas of financial management and strategic planning. The Accounting Manager will perform a variety of diverse and complex accounting duties related to general ledger accounting, compliance, and reporting. This role is vital in ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies, while also contributing to the accurate and transparent reporting of HKS's financial activities. In this position, the Accounting Manager will advise faculty, students, and staff on HKS and University policies and procedures related to their assigned duties, providing outstanding customer service to stakeholders across the campus. The role involves providing technical guidance and problem resolution for the HKS financial community on various complex accounting matters, performing monthly account reconciliations, and preparing journal entries in accordance with HKS and University policies and US GAAP. The Accounting Manager will also manage quarterly and year-end closing processes, participate in internal and external audits, and ensure adherence to compliance regulations and internal controls. The Accounting Manager will serve as the lead technical expert on accounting standards and compliance regulations, ensuring that the organization adheres to relevant standards. This position will identify opportunities for process improvement within the finance function and work collaboratively to implement enhancements. Additionally, the Accounting Manager will create invoices in the Oracle Accounts Receivable module, represent HKS on various University committees, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support overall business goals. This role is essential for maintaining a network of peers at other schools or in central administration to share and leverage best practices, and for participating in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Controller.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal policies.
• Perform monthly account reconciliations and resolve any noted variances.
• Prepare journal entries in accordance with HKS and University policies and US GAAP.
• Manage quarterly and year-end closing processes, including preparation of period end journal entries and review of accruals.
• Participate in internal and external audits and tax reporting, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Provide periodic and ad hoc reports to management for operations and strategic decision making.
• Serve as lead technical expert on accounting standards and compliance regulations.
• Ensure key financial internal controls are in place and operating effectively through periodic monitoring procedures.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within the finance function and implement enhancements.
• Provide financial training for HKS faculty, administrators, and financial managers.
• Create invoices in Oracle Accounts Receivable module upon request.
• Represent HKS on various University committees and advisory groups.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information and support overall business goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree (MBA or MS in Finance or Accounting) and/or CPA highly preferred.
• In-depth understanding of GAAP accounting, regulatory requirements, and reporting as they relate to a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with monitoring and audit functions relating to internal control compliance.
• Previous experience with Harvard financial systems, grants management and federal/IRS compliance regulations preferred.
• Experience working with advanced Excel functions.

Benefits

• 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).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and half-priced public transportation passes.