Senior Financial Associate

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Finance Associate at Harvard University's Center for Ethics is a key member of the financial operations team, reporting directly to the Director of Business Operations. This role is essential for managing the Center's financial activities, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. The Associate will work with various funding sources and assist in financial problem-solving, data analysis, and resource allocation to support the Center's mission and partnerships within the Harvard community.

Responsibilities

• Process all payment requests ensuring compliance with University policies.
• Handle supplier set-up and updates in Buy2Pay, resolving issues promptly.
• Maintain a tracking system for all payment requests.
• Review corporate card reports and reconcile department card transactions in Concur.
• Serve as the Center's P-Card administrator, managing applications and transactions.
• Collaborate with external departments on co-sponsored activities.
• Assist with fiscal year-end accounting and reconciliation tasks.
• Apply financial policies and compliance to ensure adherence to regulations.
• Draft and implement departmental financial policies and procedures with the Director.
• Review financial data for compliance and accuracy, making necessary corrections.
• Provide support to Center staff on financial inquiries and problem-solving.
• Design and distribute financial reports to inform leadership on resource allocation.
• Perform financial analysis and modeling for forecasting income and expenses.
• Identify spending trends and recommend improvements based on analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budget documents and related processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate Excel skills.
• Working knowledge of basic financial administration principles.
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to identify issues quickly.

Nice-to-haves

• Connection to and appreciation for ELSCE's core values of collaboration, joy, responsiveness, compassion, and trust.

Benefits

• 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year.
• 12 accrued sick days per year.
• 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January.
• 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 for eligible courses.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and public transportation passes.