Research Finance Compliance Analyst

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Finance Compliance Analyst at Harvard University is a pivotal role within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Office of Research Administration (FORA). Reporting to the Manager of Research Finance, Compliance, and Training, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and systems related to post-award sponsored research finance administration. The analyst will engage in data analysis, reporting, and monitoring to uphold the integrity of financial practices within the research domain. In this role, the analyst will assist in the development and reporting of year-over-year sponsored financial planning for FAS, analyzing complex research finance data sets to ensure compliance with established policies. The position requires a keen eye for detail, as the analyst will prepare timely and complex monitoring reports that necessitate the selection and interpretation of data. Additionally, the analyst will provide support by running, analyzing, and communicating questionable charges to federal awards, ensuring adherence to federal requirements and Harvard policy. The analyst will also collaborate with Faculty Affairs to assess risks associated with multiple appointments and affiliations, an area that is highly scrutinized by federal funding agencies. Identifying potential risks related to overcommitments and unmet effort commitments through data analysis from various sources is a critical aspect of this role. Monthly compliance reporting on high-risk sponsored research areas will be a key responsibility, involving extensive reviews and analysis of current and pending support pages through the Grants Management Application Suite (GMAS). Furthermore, the analyst will work closely with the Office for Sponsored Programs and other internal clients to meet reporting and compliance needs, supporting the annual Uniform Guidance audit and other agency external audits. The role also includes assisting the Research Finance team with communication of analysis to appropriate departmental staff and faculty, providing guidance on compliance-related items, and contributing to team goals as required. The analyst may serve as a committee member or FAS representative as needed, and will perform other duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and reporting of year-over-year sponsored financial planning for FAS.
• Analyze complex research finance data sets to ensure compliance with established policies.
• Prepare timely and complex monitoring reports that require the selection and interpretation of data.
• Provide support by running, analyzing, and communicating to departments on questionable charges to federal awards.
• Assist the Research Finance Team in spot reviews pertaining to high-risk audit areas.
• Perform reviews of faculty to assess risks associated with multiple appointments/affiliations and outside activities.
• Identify potential risks associated with overcommitments and unmet effort commitments through data analysis.
• Perform monthly compliance reporting on various high-risk sponsored research areas.
• Work with the Office for Sponsored Programs and other internal clients to meet reporting and compliance needs.
• Support for the annual Uniform Guidance audit and other agency external audits.
• Assist the Research Finance team with communication of analysis with appropriate departmental staff and faculty.
• Provide guidance and support to departments on various compliance-related items.
• Assist FORA managers with supplemental salary requests in the SPECTRA system.
• Provide support in training documents and job aids for various research finance related activities.
• Help build relationships and sharing of best practices between grants managers within FAS.
• Serve as back-up for other post-award personnel in their absence.
• Coordinate meetings for the Research Finance and Compliance team as needed.
• Contribute to other team goals as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of directly related experience in financial management, accounting or research finance and grants administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting or finance principles and practices in a commercial or non-profit setting.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills required with strong proficiency in Excel.
• Proficiency with reporting tools to analyze data and develop visual representations of the data.
• Knowledge of sponsored research finance desirable.
• Knowledge of federal research regulations desirable.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to interact collaboratively with administrators.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with the utmost discretion.

Nice-to-haves

• Working knowledge of Harvard University systems (including GMAS, financial systems, and Oracle Analytics) and research administration policies desirable.

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.
• 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.
• 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 providing 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 discounts to various services.