Associate Director of Finance

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Massachusetts.

📋 Description

• Oversee the comprehensive financial and grants management for the Department of Environmental Health and the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies.

• Manage, mentor, train, and distribute workloads among research and financial administrators.

• Provide guidance to faculty on the financial oversight of both sponsored and non-sponsored funds.

• Handle pre- and post-award management for an extensive portfolio of sponsored research grants and subcontracts, including those funded by NIH.

• Clarify Harvard, School, and sponsor policies, regulations, and procedures for Grants Managers.

• Administer non-sponsored funding sources, such as gifts, endowments, start-up funding, and cost recovery centers.

• Create and execute departmental policies and procedures.

• Ensure adherence to sponsor guidelines and compliance with Harvard policies.

• Review, authorize, and process departmental financial transactions.

• Work collaboratively with academic personnel regarding student finances and financial planning.

• Develop the annual Department budget alongside the Department Administrator and senior leadership.

• Formulate and apply strategic financial plans with senior management.

• Engage in School-wide and University-wide initiatives and meetings.

• Report to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Compliance, while also having joint reporting responsibilities to the Director of Administration (EH) and Deputy Director (HCPDS).

• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience is necessary.

• Advanced understanding of sponsored research regulations is essential.

• Experience in a supervisory role is required.

• An MBA or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

• CRA certification is desirable.

• Proficient computing skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel capabilities.

• In-depth knowledge of advanced financial principles, budget management, and financial analysis.

• Strong preference for candidates with expert knowledge of federal sponsored research policies and regulations.

• Experience with international projects is advantageous.

• Education and/or experience in general finance and accounting concepts and practices is important.

• Understanding of Harvard systems such as GMAS, HART, Buy2Pay, and Concur.

• Knowledge regarding human subject use, animal use, and other research compliance areas.

• Exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.

• Outstanding oral and written communication abilities.

• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary.

• Experience collaborating with faculty and students is important.

• Ability to prioritize, adapt to changes, and manage multiple complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment.

• Please note that Harvard University cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

• Pre-employment identity, education, criminal, and credit screenings will be conducted.

• Employees in fully remote roles must adhere to scheduled hours in a Harvard-registered state.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive paid time off, including parental leave.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage available from day one.

• Retirement plans that include contributions from the university.

• Resources for wellbeing and mental health support.

• Assistance for families and caregivers.

• Opportunities for professional development, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.

• Commuter benefits.

• Discounts and perks on campus.

• Occasional access to a Harvard location on-site at the department's discretion.