Senior Financial Analyst
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- BS in finance/accounting preferred, 5 years financial experience required.
- Strong knowledge of accounting required, combined with exceptional analytical skills and financial modeling skills.
- Must have demonstrated ability to identify financial issues and apply them to operational causes; work with manager to develop best practice solutions.
- The ideal candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment, and keen attention to detail.
- Must be able to manage multiple responsibilities, set priorities, take initiative and meet deadlines.
- Must have excellent computer skills including in-depth understanding of, and experience with, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and scheduling/email software packages.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis and
- financial modeling; working knowledge of accounting principles
- Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools
- Reviews transactions for compliance and accuracy.
- Supports administration of capitalized projects.
- Respond to unit inquiries regarding spending, balances, and budget categories.
- Serve as a policy resource for assigned units, advises on transaction appropriateness, and makes recommendations about best mechanisms for all transactions.
- Provide training on financial models, financial systems, policies & procedures.
- Review business income statements with business managers and directors and research & explain unbudgeted expenses or other variances as requested.
- Prepare customer reports and attend customer meetings to review financials.
- Identify and follow through on journal vouchers and reclasses as identified through the monthly review process.
- Ensure accurate accounting and coding for operating and capital project expenses.
- Assist business managers, project managers and others in updating operating and capital project information in capital planning database/
- Provide support for preparing and/or reviewing construction authorizations and sources of funding to open capital projects.
- Work with business managers to prepare justifications and document any financial analysis and/or P&L impact for operating & capital projects.
- Work with business managers, project managers, and accounting department to prepare close-out documentation when projects are completed and provide coding based on under/over funded amounts.
- May serve as a mentor to others but does not have direct reports. May serve on committees and represents FP&A in University wide meetings or conduct trainings of a general nature for clients.
- Work with business managers on various special projects and analysis as necessary.
- Develop knowledge and skills in the use of new and existing business-specific and/or University systems that support transactions and/or reports necessary for accurate business accounting.
- Team with the Campus Services Controller's department and/or other Harvard departments to improve business processes and systems.
- Assist in the documentation, implementation, and communication of accounting procedures in conjunction with improving existing procedures.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience
- Work is performed in an office setting
- Establish and communicate budget timeline/task list and ensure timely completion of all tasks.
- Prepare budget worksheets for business manager input.
- Prepare quarterly financial reviews and re-forecasts. Research and describe variances.
- Work with business managers and other internal groups to gather information and budget for all revenue & expense categories.
- Load all data into the budget system and review financial models to ensure accuracy.
- Prepare budget narratives. Prepare supporting schedules and business performance metrics & graphs.
- Review business income statements with business managers and directors research & explain unbudgeted items.
- Complete year end analysis and provide detailed explanations of business line variances versus budget.
- Prepare year end narrative reports. Prepare supporting schedules and update all business performance metrics & graphs.
- Prepares ad-hoc reports and analysis for business units and senior leadership.
- Creates custom reports for unit managers and directors.
- Paid Time Off: 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), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: 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.
- Retirement: 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: Competitive 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.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.