Apply on Employer Site

Harvard University · 1 day ago

Senior Accounting & Compliance Specialist

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Harvard University is a vibrant community dedicated to advancing its mission and creating a welcoming environment. The Senior Accounting & Compliance Specialist plays a crucial role in executing financial and accounting operations, supporting accounting functions, and maintaining robust internal controls while collaborating with a team of professionals.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Independently perform a variety of accounting activities including: posting journal entries, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports

Serve as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., TripleSeat, Agilysys, etc..), collaborating with IT, business units, and colleagues to optimize utilization, identify and resolve system accounting issues

Leverage technology and automation to drive enhancements in accounting processes and strengthen internal controls by proactively identifying automation opportunities, mapping and improving workflows, providing accounting and process requirements for technical solutions, and participating in system integrations

Participate in User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating closely with business units, CS HUIT, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, resolve technology-related issues, and ensure seamless process optimization and adoption

Serve as an expert accounting resource for CSFA colleagues and Campus Services Business Units, providing guidance and training on accounting policies, internal control procedures, and financial systems; develop and write job aids as needed to enhance team expertise

Act as the lead contact for Harvard University Dining Services in his/her area of accounting responsibilities

Propose and implement improvements in accounting operations and financial reporting, collaborating with CSFA colleagues, Campus Services Business Units, and leadership while ensuring compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and best practices. Actively contribute to a process improvement subcommittee

Use critical thinking to prepare, approve, and review journal entries in accordance with Campus Services and University policies and key controls, ensuring all entries meet accuracy, documentation, and reperformance standards

Perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings independently, applying critical thinking and professional skepticism to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established deadlines and standards, leveraging off of automation and using critical thinking to independently resolve exceptions

Ensure all aspects of the billing cycle (e.g.: recording revenue, billing, and receipt processing) are performed timely and accurately, closely collaborating with Campus Services and other university colleagues to achieve this goal

Independently perform complex accounting reconciliations and analysis, ensuring all supporting documentation is complete, identifying and resolving variances, and independently resolving accounting issues in collaboration with colleagues within Campus Services and across the university as warranted. Designs templates for reconciliation

Independently identify and resolve accounting issues, leveraging strong analytical skills and collaborating effectively as necessary

Provides guidance and leadership in key areas including: CARD Administration - Serves as the Campus Services CARD (PCARD, Corporate, and Department Card) subject matter expert, acting as a liaison between central administration and Campus Services and providing guidance to Campus Service departments to help maintain compliance with university policy

Member of CS PCard working groups and support ongoing development of additional CS PCard Initiatives

Prepares ad hoc reports

Maintain the Campus Services Chart of Accounts (COA) in accordance with Harvard University policy

Provide guidance to CSFA team members on the proper COA structure

Review access requests for Campus Services financial systems, ensuring compliance with university policy

Participates in the annual review of system access for Harvard University and Campus Service financial systems which involves identifying the systems, designing templates, reconciling access data against HR data, coordinating with Business Units to resolve exceptions, and removing access when warranted

Prepare ad-hoc reports for management and internal customers, using expertise in accounting data analysis to support decision-making

Serve as backup for critical activities and cross-train with other team members, ensuring strong business continuity and team support

Other duties as assigned to support CSFA’s mission and adapt to evolving business needs

Qualification

Accounting principlesGAAP complianceFinancial systems expertiseProcess automationData analysisAnalytical skillsIndependent judgmentExcel proficiencyCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsAttention to detailTeam collaborationTime management

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required

Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience

Demonstrated working knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP strongly preferred)

Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills with keen attention to detail, discretion, and independent judgment

Capable of working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision

Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and handle multiple time-sensitive functions and changing assignments

Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel; able to learn and utilize various accounting systems, with experience in financial systems and data query tools—Oracle Financial and IBM Maximo preferred

Demonstrated knowledge of accounting systems, process automation, and technology-driven workflow improvements