Associate Director of Research Core Finance and Compliance

Job Description

Job Description

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 the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary: Lead financial operations and planning for the department/unit that may include payroll, accounting, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, capital projects, endowment funding, research administration, or other function.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Associate Director of Research Core Finance and Compliance partners with the Director Research Core Finance and Compliance to provide strategic financial leadership, oversight, and compliance support for FAS Science service centers and recharge facilities. The Associate Director serves as a key financial resource to core facility directors, divisional leadership, and other stakeholders, ensuring sound financial management, transparent reporting, and compliance with University and federal requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partners with the Director to lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis for FAS Science service centers and recharge facilities.
• Provides strategic financial guidance to core facility directors, divisional leadership, and senior management to support operational and long-range decision-making.
• Leads the annual budget and forecasting processes in accordance with FAS Finance policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on core facility financial management, including operating and capital budgets, rate development, cost recovery, and short- and long-range financial projections.
• Develops financial analyses, dashboards, and management reports to identify trends, assess financial performance, and inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Prepares annual and ad hoc financial reports, business plans, and scenario analyses related to cost recovery, equipment replacement, service expansion, and other strategic initiatives.
• Partners with core facility directors and divisional leadership to establish appropriate service center and recharge rates.
• Develops, maintains, and continuously improves rate-setting methodologies, financial models, and standardized templates.
• Conducts annual reviews of rates and financial performance to ensure compliance with federal requirements and Harvard service center policies.
• Develops, implements, and continuously improves policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls related to the financial operations and accounting of Science Division core facilities.
• Establishes and monitors accounting practices and control mechanisms to ensure compliance with University financial policies and applicable federal service center regulations.
• Reviews financial activity and transactions to identify compliance risks, financial issues, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Oversees and enhances service center billing, accounts receivable, and related financial operations to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timely revenue collection.
• Develops and maintains core facility charts of accounts and financial structures that promote transparency, consistency, accurate reporting, and increased reporting automation.
• Identifies opportunities to standardize and streamline financial processes across core facilities and implements tools and practices that improve efficiency, financial visibility, and internal controls.
• May supervise and develop staff responsible for financial operations, analysis, billing, or related functions and provide guidance to staff and stakeholders across the Science Division.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

• This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, with the possibility of having a hybrid in-person/remote schedule. The selected candidate will need to be on campus as business needs require. Specific days and hours will be determined between you and your manager. 

Basic Qualifications ( required ) :

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills ( preferred ) :

• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, research administration, financial operations, or a related field.
• MBA, master’s degree, or other advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial operations.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience developing complex financial models and analyses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear recommendations for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and improve financial processes, policies, internal controls, and reporting tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, faculty, administrators, and operational teams.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and projects in a complex, decentralized organization preferred.
• Knowledge of service center, recharge center, sponsored research, or higher education financial practices preferred.
• Familiarity with federal cost principles and compliance requirements applicable to research service centers is strongly preferred.
• The successful candidate will be a collaborative and strategic financial professional who combines strong technical expertise with sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• The role requires the ability to balance financial stewardship and regulatory compliance with the operational and strategic needs of research core facilities.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Reference checks required.

Other Information:

• All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

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 058. 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.