Accounting Manager

$87,700 - $150,900/Yr

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, 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 team. This position is part of a 14-person finance team and reports to the Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations. The OFS team oversees the financial operations of HKS and supports and facilitates decision-making at the highest levels in key areas of financial management and strategic planning. The Accounting Manager will perform multiple diverse and complex accounting duties related to general ledger accounting, compliance, and reporting. This role plays a vital part in overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies, and contributing to the accurate and transparent reporting of HKS's financial activities. The Accounting Manager will advise faculty, students, and staff on HKS and University policies and procedures related to assigned duties and provide outstanding customer service to stakeholders across campus. In the realm of General Ledger Accounting & Analysis, the Accounting Manager will provide technical guidance and problem resolution for the HKS financial community on various complex accounting matters. Responsibilities include performing monthly account reconciliations, preparing journal entries in accordance with HKS and University policies and US GAAP, and reviewing and uploading internal transfer journal entries prepared by centers and departments. The role also encompasses managing quarterly and year-end closing processes, participating in internal and external audits, and providing periodic and ad hoc reports to management for use in operations and strategic decision-making. The Accounting Manager will serve as the lead technical expert on accounting standards, compliance regulations, and HKS and University policies and procedures. This includes ensuring key financial internal controls are in place and operating effectively, identifying opportunities for process improvement within the finance function, and providing financial training for HKS faculty, administrators, and financial managers. The position requires a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, aligning with Harvard Kennedy School's mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Perform multiple diverse and complex accounting duties related to general ledger accounting, compliance, and reporting.
• Provide technical guidance and problem resolution for HKS financial community on various complex accounting matters.
• Perform monthly account reconciliations, researching and resolving any noted variances.
• Prepare journal entries in accordance with HKS and University policies and US GAAP, including monthly allocation entries.
• Review and upload internal transfer journal entries prepared by centers and departments.
• 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 use in operations and strategic decision making.
• Serve as lead technical expert on accounting standards, compliance regulations, and HKS and University policies and procedures.
• 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 work collaboratively to implement enhancements.
• Provide financial training for HKS faculty, administrators, and financial managers.
• Create invoices in Oracle Accounts Receivable module upon request of centers and departments.
• Represent HKS on various University committees and advisory groups.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and other departments, 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 is required.
• 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.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience working with advanced Excel functions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to navigate in a decentralized environment and work effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to lead change management and positively influence diverse groups in a complex regulatory environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Harvard financial systems and grants management.
• Familiarity with federal/IRS compliance regulations.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess, 3 personal days per year, and 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.
• 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, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes, and biking benefits.
• Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and discounts to various services and cultural activities throughout metro-Boston.