Financial Associate II

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Financial Associate in Cambridge, MA to manage corporate cards, reimbursements, accounts payable, and fixed assets. The role emphasizes risk-based financial operations and strong stakeholder service across campus.

Responsibilities include auditing, training material development, and advising on policy adherence. The position reports to the Controller within the Office of Financial Services at Harvard Kennedy School and requires on‑site work several days per week.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting or equivalent experience with 5+ years in related work.
• Strong MS Excel skills and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to analyze trends, root causes, and implement improvements beyond transactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for financial concepts.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment and discretion.
• Preferred knowledge of Concur and Buy2Pay; knowledge of international payments and tax considerations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee corporate card program lifecycle and risk-based controls.
• Review and approve expense reimbursements with policy adherence.
• Monitor accounts payable processes and resolve bottlenecks.
• Assist in fixed asset additions and monthly reporting.
• Provide guidance on complex payment scenarios and documentation.

Skills

Excel

Analytical thinking

Discretion

Communication

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in accounting or equivalent experience

Tools

Concur

Buy2Pay

Job description

Job Description

The Financial Associate performs a broad range of complex accounting and program administration responsibilities related to corporate cards, expense reimbursements, accounts payable, and fixed assets. Emphasizes a strategic, risk‑based approach to financial operations by proactively monitoring activity, identifying trends, and addressing root causes of issues rather than isolated transactions. Advises faculty, students, and staff on University policy and procedures related to assigned duties and provides outstanding customer service to stakeholders across campus.

Corporate Cards

• Oversees lifecycle of 300+ corporate card accounts, from application through termination.
• Implements proactive monitoring and analytics to identify patterns of non‑compliance, misuse, or inefficiencies.
• Develops and refines controls to reduce recurring issues, focusing on root‑cause resolution rather than exception handling alone.
• Conducts targeted and periodic audits to assess compliance with University policies and IRS regulations and synthesizes findings into actionable recommendations.
• Partners with departments to address systemic issues (late reconciliations, inappropriate usage patterns).
• Manages temporary credit limit increases and cash advances with appropriate risk considerations.
• Communicates trends and emerging risks to leadership and stakeholders.
• Contributes to development of training materials that address common pain points and recurring compliance gaps.
• Serves as subject‑matter resource for corporate card program, travel and business expense policy, and related systems.

Expense Reimbursements

• Reviews and approves staff expense reimbursements with focus on policy adherence and consistency.
• Identifies recurring errors or inefficiencies and works with stakeholders to improve upstream processes.
• Performs periodic audits and trend analysis to strengthen compliance and reduce re‑work.
• Provides guidance to departments on appropriate documentation, timing, and classification of expenses.

Accounts Payable

• Reviews and approves invoices in Buy2Pay, ensuring compliance with University policies.
• Performs ongoing monitoring of payment workflows, including systematic review of invoices on hold to identify process bottlenecks or recurring issues.
• Collaborates with departments to resolve underlying causes of delays or errors in invoice processing.
• Provides guidance on complex payment scenarios, including:
  • Payments to foreign vendors and individuals
  • Required documentation and tax considerations
  • Appropriate payment methods and compliance requirements
• Recommends and supports implementation of process improvements to enhance efficiency and control environment.
• Assists in developing training and guidance materials to reduce common errors and improve submission quality.

Fixed Assets

• Reviews and approves fixed asset additions in alignment with capitalization policies.
• Runs monthly fixed asset reports and performs annual fixed asset inventory.

Other Duties

• Serves as back‑up for pcard administrator, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Applies consistent judgment in assessing exceptions, with emphasis on risk evaluation and escalation when appropriate.
• Participates in cross‑functional initiatives to improve financial operations, controls, and user experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting or equivalent experience with at least 5 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated skills with MS Excel.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to analyze trends, identify root causes, and implement improvements beyond transactional work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain financial concepts to non‑financial audiences.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• High level of discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Interest in developing data‑driven insights and leveraging reporting tools.
• Preferred experience with Concur and Buy2Pay systems; knowledge of international payments, tax considerations, or compliance frameworks is a plus.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA and is required to work in person/on campus at least 3 days per week.
• Reports to the Controller within the Office of Financial Services team at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with the University’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 prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Well‑being and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.