Accounting Assistant

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Parental leave

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences is seeking an Accounting Financial Associate to serve as a primary point of contact for departments and centers, ensuring accuracy and compliance of financial records. The role processes and reviews journal entries and maintains adherence to university policies and GAAP.

The position involves monthly reviews of default transactions and income and expense object code activity, supporting internal controls and audits, with a hybrid work arrangement

Qualifications

• At least 3+ years’ related experience.
• Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Excel, standard office tools and database software required.
• Strong proficiency in accounting software such as Oracle Financials and GAAP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex accounting activities including translating business needs from local departments to journal entries.
• Provide technical advice and problem resolution for a department on varied accounting issues.
• Prepare and analyze journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and account analysis to ensure accuracy of financial data.
• Recognize long term implications of entry and work with accounting group to make database updates to eliminate need going forward.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures in accordance with GAAP standards.
• Perform data entry tasks with high accuracy; handle journal entry processes efficiently.
• Collaborate with internal teams on financial audits, internal controls, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Skills

Accounting principles

Excel

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

GAAP knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience

Tools

Oracle Financials

Database software

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environmentof ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

The Accounting Financial Associate serves as a primary pointofcontact for departments and centers, providing accounting supportthat promotes the accuracy and compliance of financial records.With a strong foundation in accounting principles and universitypolicies, this role is responsible for processing and reviewingjournal entries and ensuring compliance with University policiesand procedures, accounting standards, audit requirements, andapplicable laws and regulations.

Working independently with minimal supervision, the AccountingFinancial Associate conducts monthly reviews of defaulttransactions and income and expense object code activity,partnering with unit finance staff to identify and processnecessary adjustments. Through these activities, this role helpsmaintain accurate financial records, supports effective internalcontrols, and contributes to successful internal and externalaudits.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex accounting activities includingtranslating business needs from local departments to journalentries
• Provide technical advice and problem resolution for a department on varied accounting issues
• Prepare and analyze journal entries, general ledgerreconciliations, and account analysis to ensure accuracy offinancial data
• Recognize long term implications of entry and work withaccounting group to make database updates to eliminate need goingforward
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures inaccordance with GAAP standards.
• Perform data entry tasks with high accuracy; handle journalentry processes efficiently.
• Collaborate with internal teams on financial audits, internalcontrols, and process improvements to enhance operationalefficiency.
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies andprocedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, andapplicable legal rules and regulations.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting;this is a hybrid position requiring 1 day on campus (subject tochange)

Physical Requirements

Sitting and using near vision forreading and computer work for extended periods of time

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• At least 3+ years’ related experience
• Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience
• Experience with Excel, standard office tools and database software required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong proficiency in accounting software such as OracleFinancials
• Advanced knowledge of financial concepts including debits &credits, journal entries, account reconciliation, and generalledger accounting.
• Proven experience with corporate accounting practices includingGAAP; experience in governmental or non-profit accounting is aplus.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information withdiscretion
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn financialpolicies and procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Customer service orientation and clear communication
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with guidance

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FASHuman Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts .Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage .

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policyand non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.