Accountant

26-Oct-2022

Campus Services

60249BR

Job Summary

Harvard University is one of the world’s preeminent research universities.  Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in North America.  The University has an enrollment of more than 6,600 undergraduate students and over 14,000 graduate students in the University’s ten graduate and professional schools.  An additional 3,000 students are enrolled in one or more courses in the Harvard Extension School. Over 18,000 people work at Harvard, including approximately 2,300 faculty. 

Campus Services:

Campus Services at Harvard is a part of central administration with a goal to advance Harvard’s mission of teaching and research, by partnering to provide stewardship, strategies, and services that create exceptional community experiences. Campus Services business units include Energy & Facilities; Environmental Health & Safety; Capital Projects; Dining Services; Housing; Real Estate; Office for Sustainability; Transportation Services; Global Support Services; Common Spaces; Harvard International Office and Faculty Club. Campus Services has 1600 employees with an operating budget of $550M and an annual capital budget of $150M.

Position Summary:

The Accountant is a member of the Campus Services (FS) Finance Team reporting to the Accounting Manager for Campus Services’ Finance & Accounting team, he or she is responsible for providing accounting and internal control support for Campus Services business units including, but not limited to, Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS).  Ensure that all aspects of the billing cycle (e.g.: recording revenue, billing, and processing receipts) are performed timely and accurately, closely collaborating with Campus Services and other university colleagues to achieve this goal.

Position Description

• Ensure that timely, accurate, and professional customer service is provided to CS customers and the University community.
• Develop and maintain productive partnerships with colleagues and customers within the Harvard community.
• Adhere to a calendar of accounting activities to ensure that all transactions are processed and by appropriate deadlines.
• Performs regular and timely completion of balance sheet account reconciliations, resolving variances.
• Analyze balance sheet and income statement accounts and resolve accounting issues.
• Ensure that source systems and the University general ledger are reconciled and ensure that customers are billed accurately and timely.
• Prepare and approve journal entries related to monthly, quarterly, and annual closing of the books.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports per management’s requests.
• Gain an understanding of key internal controls as well as policies and procedures related to transactions to ensure compliance.
• Maintain best practices for accounting operations while driving and documenting process improvement and leveraging technology solutions where possible.
• Develop knowledge and skills in the use of CS or University systems that support transactions and/or reports necessary to CS accounting operations.
• Key member in User Acceptance Testing and system implementation for the systems used to support CS core operations, working with team to develop and implement test plan, identity and resolve issues, and collaborating closely with CS HUIT and external consultants.
• Work with others in the CS Financial Services team on special projects.
• Serve as back up for critical activities and cross-train with other team members, as needed, including emergency backup for Crimson Cash.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Associates Degree in accounting or equivalent experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Degree in accounting or finance preferred.
• Five or more years of business experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail along with consistent exercise of discretion, independent judgment and initiative required. 
• Must have the ability to work independently and part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Must have the ability to prioritize and manage time.
• Must have the ability to handle multiple time-sensitive functions and changing assignments.
• Must demonstrate proficiency with MS Office, including Excel, and the ability to learn and utilize numerous accounting systems. 
• Experience with Oracle Financial and Transact systems preferred.

Working Conditions

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 

Additional Information

Additional Information:

• The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 40 hours.
• 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.

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

403127 Financial Associate II

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Employment, Identity

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.