Accounting Manager

$87,700 - $150,900/Yr

Harvard Law School - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

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. As an Accounting Manager, you will perform a variety of diverse and complex accounting duties related to general ledger accounting, compliance, and reporting. You will play a vital role 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. Your responsibilities will include advising faculty, students, and staff on HKS and University policies and procedures related to your assigned duties, while providing outstanding customer service to stakeholders across campus. In the realm of General Ledger Accounting & Analysis, you will provide technical guidance and problem resolution for the HKS financial community on various complex accounting matters. This includes performing monthly account reconciliations, preparing journal entries in accordance with HKS and University policies and US GAAP, and reviewing internal transfer journal entries prepared by centers and departments. In terms of Financial Close & Reporting, you will manage quarterly and year-end closing processes, including preparation of period-end journal entries, review of accruals, and coordination with centers and departments to ensure timely and accurate reporting. You will also participate in internal and external audits and tax reporting, providing necessary documentation and explanations, and provide periodic and ad hoc reports to management for use in operations and strategic decision-making. As the lead technical expert on accounting standards, compliance regulations, and HKS and University policies and procedures, you will ensure that key financial internal controls are in place and operating effectively. You will identify opportunities for process improvement within the finance function and work collaboratively to implement enhancements. Additionally, you will provide financial training for HKS faculty, administrators, and financial managers. Other duties include creating invoices in the Oracle Accounts Receivable module upon request, representing HKS on various University committees, maintaining a network of peers at other schools or in central administration, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support overall business goals. You will also participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations.

Responsibilities

• 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 for gifts and endowments.
• 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.
• Represent HKS on various University committees and advisory groups.
• Maintain a network of peers at other schools or in central administration to share and leverage best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information and support overall business goals.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Controller.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• 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.
• 7+ years related accounting/financial operations experience.
• 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.
• Familiarity with grants management and federal/IRS compliance regulations.

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.
• 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.
• Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more.