Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist

Company Description

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

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Campus Services

Campus Services provides essential services to the Harvard community. The 14 Campus Services departments have approximately 1,800 active employees (70% of staff are represented by eight unions) and a combined annual budget of more than $700 million. These departments provide stewardship, strategic support, and client/customer services in the areas of buildings and facilities, graduate housing, capital projects, sustainability, parking, engineering and utilities, dining, hospitality and events management, and international support.

Job Description

The Campus Services Finance & Administration Department (CSFA) provides accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and planning, taxes and financial administrative support services to the Campus Services business units and the customers they serve.  The organization is comprised of two main functions: Controller’s Office (Accounting Operations) and Financial Planning and Analysis.

As a vital member of the CSFA team, the Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist reports to the Operational Accounting & Systems Manager and contributes significantly to the execution of financial and accounting operations within the CS Operating Unit. This role is primarily responsible for supporting accounting functions, implementing efficient processes leveraging technology and automation, and maintaining robust internal control. The Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist collaborates with a team of professionals, handling day-to-day responsibilities such as Campus Services operational accounting, billing and accounts receivable, and reconciliation, while proactively driving process enhancements. They uphold and continuously improve internal controls and ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University and CS-specific accounting and financial policies, and applicable federal and state regulations. This position emphasizes independence, critical analysis, strong communication, technical accounting system skill, and innovative problem-solving to ensure operational excellence and compliance in all aspects of accounting.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Technology & Automation 

• Under the direction of the Operational Accounting & Systems Manager, serves as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., Yardi, 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.
• Participates in User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating closely with business units, HUIT, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, resolve technology-related issues, and ensure seamless process optimization and adoption.

Accounting & Internal Control

• Serves 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 Housing and Real Estate 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. 

Customer Service

• Ensure that timely, accurate, and professional customer service is provided to CS customers and the University community.
• Develop and maintain productive partnerships with colleagues and customers within the Harvard community.

Other

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Remote Work: This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 2 days per week to promote face to face interaction with team members and clients.  Any remote work should be performed in Massachusetts or in compliance with Harvard’s Out of State Employment Policy. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred.
• Business experience in accounting, finance, or a related field, preferred.
• 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 Yardi preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting systems, process automation, and technology-driven workflow improvements.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Drug Test, References

Other Information: 

#LI-TH1

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 056. 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. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

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

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

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.