Basic Qualifications
- 4+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
Additional Qualifications and Skills The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:
- Associates Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- 5+ years of accounting experience, academia experience
- Computer competency requiring word-processing, spreadsheet and database software knowledge and experience
- Buy 2 Pay, Microsoft office, procurement, P-card, Adobe, Oracle applications (general ledger), Website management experience
- Strong attention to detail with exceptional organizational skills
- Aptitude to work at a detailed micro level, clear and concise communication skills both written and verbal
- Willing to address any task that may present itself
- 3-5 years of administrative/office, 3+ years of accounting
The following cultural competencies are also preferred:
- Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
- Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
Additional Information Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!
- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
- Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
- This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
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. Position Description Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Coordinate Accounting Systems - Coordinate and implement accounting and record-keeping systems and procedures, including managing accounts payable (Buy 2 Pay) and the Oracle General Ledger
- Financial Document Review - Evaluate accounts, ledgers, records, reports, and other financial documents for accuracy, adequacy, and compliance with accounting standards
- Financial Analysis and Compliance - Analyze complex financial reports and records to ensure adherence to established systems and regulations, recommending or implementing corrective actions as necessary
- Accounts Payable Management - Execute complete transactions in accounts payable, including account balancing and reconciliation
- Error Investigation and Resolution - Investigate discrepancies and initiate corrective measures as needed
- Office Management - Oversee minor office management duties, participate with Campus Use Compliance review and assist with the Operations Office webpage
- Independent Problem Solving - Operate independently within a dynamic work environment, anticipating and resolving issues, and updating supervisors as necessary
- Trend and Compliance Monitoring - Stay informed on trends, compliance issues, regulations, and guidelines pertinent to fiscal policies and procedures, providing guidance and training to staff and stakeholders
- Administrative Systems Development - Develop and implement complex administrative systems and procedures, recommending changes and new procedures as required
- Workflow and Communication - Ensure efficient workflow and communication within the unit regarding assigned responsibilities
- Goal Achievement - Contribute to unit goals by executing related responsibilities effectively
The Financial Associate will also perform other duties as assigned. 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. Job Summary The Operations Office at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) works to provide a healthy, safe, and productive work environment by striving to set standards for operational excellence. The Financial Associate I plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and efficiency of functions including Operations Maintenance, Capital Projects, Shattuck International House and the mailroom, and instrumental in supporting the safety and comfort of the occupants at SPH. Responsibilities of the Financial Associate I will encompass organizing and implementing accounting and record-keeping systems, reviewing financial documents for accuracy, and analyzing complex reports to ensure compliance with regulations. They will manage the accounts payable process, handle discrepancy investigations, and oversee office management duties for the Operations department. Working independently, the Financial Associate I will anticipate and resolve issues, maintaining open communication with supervisors and colleagues. They will remain up-to-date on fiscal policies, providing guidance and training to relevant stakeholders. By developing administrative systems and ensuring smooth workflow and communication, they will support senior leadership and contribute to the strategic objectives of the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. A commitment to excellence and attention to detail by the Financial Associate I will be pivotal in achieving unit goals and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Operations team. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination. Learn more about the School's mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives. 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 Details This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.