Position Description

Position Summary:

The Senior Accounting Manager is a member of the Campus Services (FS) Finance Team reporting to the Controller for Campus Services, he or she leads CS accounting teams consisting of two accounting staff.

The Senior Accounting Manager is responsible for managing accounting activities and being a subject matter expert for systems related to recording, documenting, reporting, and analyzing transactions for Harvard University Operations Services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Staff Management
  • Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Establish and monitor effective accounting processes and systems to maintain accounting controls.
  • Leads his or her accounting teams to ensure that transactions related to Payroll, Procurement, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Asset, General Accounting, and P-Card in systems that support CS core operations and/or non-consolidated entities are timely, accurately, and completely recorded in the University's general ledger.
  • Lead his or her accounting teams to adhere to a calendar of accounting activities to ensure that all transactions are processed and by appropriate deadlines
• Identify opportunities and champion initiatives for continuous improvement in accounting and financial reporting processes, increasing accuracy, and quality, sharing results and collaborating with the respective CS Business Owner as well as CSFA leadership.
  • Key member in User Acceptance Testing and system implementation for the systems used to support CS core operations, often identifying critical business areas that need to be tested, working with team to develop and implement test plan, identity and resolve issues.
  • Gain an understanding of key internal controls, policies and procedures related to transactions to monitor and enforce compliance, document business processes and procedures, as well as identify and implement opportunities for efficiency.
  • Participate in and oftentimes lead working groups charged with improving business processes and customer deliverables
  • Develop own knowledge and skills in the use of CS or University systems that support transactions and/or reports necessary to CS accounting operations

See additional information for continuation of Duties and Responsiblities:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Must have knowledge of internal controls, GAAP, and automated accounting systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Must have demonstrated project management and leadership skills
• Strong attention to detail along with consistent exercise of discretion, independent judgment and initiative required
• Must demonstrate proficiency with MS Office, including advanced Excel skills, and the ability to learn and utilize numerous accounting systems.
• Experience with Oracle Financials and Maximo preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities continued:

• Direct highly complex reconciliations; oversees aspects of financial reporting ensuring accurate and timely
• Collaborate on the development of new accounting procedures within school/unit that support University wide policies and initiatives
• Ensure the school/unit financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles
  • Support the production of CS reporting to a wide variety of customers, including those internal to CS or Harvard University as well as those external to Harvard University.
• Ensure financial compliance with university policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulation
  • Perform month-end closing operations in CS financial sub ledger systems
  • Ensure that source systems and the University general ledger are reconciled.
  • Manage regular and timely completion of balance sheet account reconciliations
• Prepare department for annual and interim audits from internal and external firms/agencies
• Serve as a key resource for accounting policies and procedures, may provide training to clients and staff
  • Work with his or her accounting team to develop their knowledge and skills in the use of CS or University systems that support transactions and/or reports necessary to CS accounting operations
  • Ensure that his or her accounting team is cross trained
• Customer Service
• • Ensure that timely, accurate, and professional customer service is provided to CS customers and the University community.
• Other
• Work with others in the CS Financial Services team on special projects.
• Serve as back up for critical activities, as needed.
• Related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

• The schedule for this position is Monday -Friday, 40 hours, hybrid.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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