Senior Accountant

Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

1,001-5,000 employees

About the position

The Senior Accountant plays a crucial role within the Campus Services Finance and Administration (CSFA) team, reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager. This position is responsible for executing financial and accounting operations, supporting various accounting functions, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Senior Accountant collaborates with a team to manage general ledger accounting, capital accounting, billing, accounts receivable, and reconciliations, while also contributing to process improvements and technology enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings independently, ensuring accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Prepare, approve, and review journal entries in accordance with policies and key controls.
• Independently perform complex accounting reconciliations and analysis, identifying and resolving variances.
• Identify and resolve accounting issues, collaborating with colleagues across the university as needed.
• Serve as an expert accounting resource for colleagues, providing guidance on policies and procedures.
• Propose and implement improvements in accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Leverage technology for process enhancements and analyze data effectively.
• Participate in User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating with various teams.
• Actively contribute to a process improvement subcommittee.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports for management and internal customers.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional customer service.
• Serve as backup for critical activities and cross-train with other team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel, and able to learn various accounting systems.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of accounting principles.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.
• Business experience in accounting, finance or related field preferred.
• Experience with Oracle Financial and IBM Maximo preferred.

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.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation.
• Tuition Assistance Program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and public transportation passes.