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Job Description
Position Description
Harvard’s Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology. FAD is dedicated to supporting the teaching and research mission of the University by providing outstanding financial services to the Harvard community; by providing support, guidance and consultation; by working to ensure compliance with University and federal guidelines; by mitigating risk; and by promoting the financial health of the University.
The Research Finance Team Lead in the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) manages the Post-Award activities for a large volume and diverse set of federal and non-federal sponsored research projects at Harvard University. Reporting to the Associate Director of Research Finance, this position encompasses a full range of administrative, financial, and other tasks associated with Post-Award activities and services, including reviewing sponsored award terms, creating financial deliverable schedules, completing timely and accurate financial reports and invoices, ensuring that funds are collected, and reconciling and closing accounts. This position supports the Associate Director of Research Finance by monitoring assignments, providing determinations for complex situations, managing team workload, and mentoring staff.
Oversight and Operations
- Responsible for ensuring research agreements are reviewed on a timely basis to identify financial terms and conditions of the award
- Interprets award terms and makes decisions regarding the setup and scheduling of financial deliverables
- Perform quality control review of account setup
- Provides ongoing monitoring and assessment of team workloads
- Generates and reviews financial reports for expense appropriateness and allowability under government and sponsor compliance requirements (e.g. Federal Uniform Guidance, plus sponsor-specific guidelines)
- Interprets complex sponsored regulations, guidelines, award terms and conditions, and award notices and agreements, as well as financial data, to assess and resolve complex issues
- Reviews and signs financial documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance, as an authorized financial signatory of the University
- Responsible for assigning financial system security and portfolio assignments
Process Management and Improvement
- Creates internal guidelines to ensure compliance with University and sponsor regulations and
- Takes the lead on identifying, suggesting, and implementing process improvements to promote efficiency across a high-volume of assignments
- Develop business processes and standard operating procedures for staff to follow, with a focus on continuous improvement
- Provide Post-Award subject matter expertise with a focus on customer service
- Provides support for project-specific and University-wide audits
Outreach
- Analyzes data and provides metrics for team and clients
- Facilitates the resolution/escalation of complex issues across internal/external units
- Serves as primary contact to Financial Analysts when escalating complex compliance issues and advises solutions
- Proactively educates colleagues and departments on policies, processes, and best practices through daily interactions and training initiatives
Mentoring and Training
- Supervises day-to-day operations and supports staff by teaching them to resolve issues and use critical thinking to make decisions
- Provides mentoring and training to staff and other business partners (both internal and external to OSP) as needed regarding financial reporting, data warehouse, GMAS, and sponsored and University policies, with an emphasis on compliance and mitigating financial and institutional risk
- Identifies training gaps and supports the development of trainings
- Collaborates with colleagues across the University to ensure business continuity and by building strong and constructive relationships
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
- Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
- Proficiency with MS Office suite, including Word, intermediate to advanced proficiency with Excel (fluency with arithmetic formulas and the ability to solve problems using the tool)
- Exposure to and experience with restricted fund environment a plus
- Extensive knowledge and fluency in governmental regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR)
- Excellent business writing and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to resolve issues in a diplomatic manner and balance the juxtaposition of compliance and customer service
- Independent problem resolution skills in a team environment
- A sense of urgency and ownership
- Ability to escalate issues and provide potential solutions
- Sound judgment and the ability to influence colleagues at all levels with tact and diplomacy
Working Conditions
Interview and onboarding activity for this position may be conducted via telephone & Zoom video conferencing, based on the department’s current presence on campus.
This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will begin your work remotely. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT). The fully remote nature of this job is only temporary. Once the University and your supervisor determine that it is appropriate, in-person on-campus work will be required as a condition of continued employment. FAD is currently developing hybrid workplace models which will actively support some remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and team needs allow. Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.
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/.
Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard’s Coronavirus Workplace Policies website: https://hr.harvard.edu/corona-virus-workplace-policies.
Additional Information
Please provide a cover letter with your application and upload as one document.
Please note:
- Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
- We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
- This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
More about FAD:
FAD is committed to an engaging and diverse culture, strong values, and client partnership. The department is led by the Vice President for Finance (VPF), is comprised of eight reporting units:
- Office of the Controller
- Office of Finance and Administration
- Office of Financial Strategy and Planning
- Office for Sponsored Programs
- Office of Treasury Management
- Risk Management and Audit Services
- Strategic Procurement
- Capital Planning and Project Services
For more about the Financial Administration Department and its 8 reporting units, see: http://finance.harvard.edu
Total Rewards:
Harvard’s Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and reward the performance of talented employees. As a Harvard staff member, you enjoy many perks that come with working for one of the top employers in Massachusetts, including:
Flexible work environment: FAD supports flexible work arrangements where business needs allow
Paid Time Off: 3 – 4 weeks accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 paid holidays plus winter recess, and 3 personal days awarded each calendar year.
Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
Harvard University Employees Credit Union: Our employees credit union provides a complete line of services for all your financial needs. https://huecu.org
Transportation: 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
Wellness options: A variety of programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services
Access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
Learn more: https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards
Accessibility:
Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard’s commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.
Job Function
Finance
Location
USA – MA – Cambridge
Job Code
F1457P Research Admin III Ps
Sub-Unit
–
Department
Office for Sponsored Programs
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
057
Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, 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.
