Financial Analyst II - Floating

Job Description The Financial Analyst - Floating (FFA) manages a small portfolio of departments and provides post-award support to those clients. This position is responsible for the oversight of financial deliverables and related compliance for assigned sponsored awards, including monitoring, reporting, invoicing, accounts receivables collections, reconciliation, and closeout. The FFA works in collaboration with clients (departments, centers, schools) and RF teammates to manage and submit deliverables and reconcile sponsored accounts. The FFA may also be assigned project‑based duties, such as assisting with business process documentation, training initiatives, organizing documentation, ad hoc reporting and data analysis, billing or cash management support, and other special projects to support RF and clients. Approximately 80% of the effort is anticipated for portfolio team support and 20% for an assigned portfolio. The position requires performance of complex analyses and review of award expenditures in conjunction with sponsor terms and regulations. After sufficient training in grants compliance and Harvard policies and systems, the FFA will work independently and use judgment in interpreting and implementing sponsor and University policies and procedures. Flexibility, adaptability, time management, and relationship‑building with the various RF teams are also required. This is a great opportunity for a professional with some experience in accounting or financial management who is interested in working for a nonprofit, supporting university research, and learning more about sponsored accounting within higher education. The FFA – Floating reports to the Director of Research Finance, but will also be supervised by RF Portfolio Managers, depending on the assignment. Job Responsibilities Serves as a principal source of information on complex University, federal, and sponsor fiscal policies and procedures related to cash management, reporting, and closeout. Interprets guidelines and policies and effectively advises departmental staff on options or alternatives and recommends courses of action. Works with departmental staff to achieve timely and accurate invoicing, financial reporting, reconciliation, and closeout of all sponsored awards in the portfolio. Monitors active awards to proactively identify potential issues. Works collaboratively to research and resolve issues, escalating as needed and offering solutions. Analyzes financial data and submits journal entries that will affect Harvard’s general ledger. Independently enters final data in Harvard’s auditable system of record for grants management (GMAS), including the sub‑ledger responsible for receivables. Analyzes financial data to identify potential risks and issues. Presents data and issues (quantitatively and qualitatively) in a way that is meaningful to departments, colleagues, managers, and auditors. Proposes resolutions for complex issues and for financial management best practices. Documents all work so that it is clear to other staff or auditors. Provides requested documentation for annual single audit and ad‑hoc internal or external audits. Interacts with Harvard’s sponsors as needed to clarify terms and submit required reports and invoices. Liaises effectively with other groups, such as school financial offices, academic department leadership, pre‑award offices, and central financial and technology units. Provides backfill support for peers or additional support during busy periods. Applies good business practices consistently to new assignments, while being flexible and adaptable to work with different groups and sponsors. Assists with developing and delivering metrics/reports, business process documentation, training initiatives, and special projects as needed. Requires willingness to provide personally identifiable information (PII) necessary for identity authentication related to obtaining access to external sponsor systems. Qualifications Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree 3‑5 years of direct accounting, financial management, data analysis, and/or grant management experience. Education beyond high school or progress toward relevant professional certification may count toward experience. Proven ability to utilize multiple financial and reporting systems, as well as other applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe) Demonstrated agility working with systems and reporting. Additional Qualifications and Skills Working knowledge of accounting and direct experience in financial management (incurring expenses, invoicing and reporting, accounts payable, and/or accounts receivable). Problem‑solving orientation and ability to be thorough and detail‑oriented but also summarize and convey the bigger picture. Experience in a research environment including fund accounting, sponsored accounting, and compliance. Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and time‑management skills to prioritize work. Customer service orientation with a collegial and collaborative approach to working with others across the University. Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion and judgment. Independent and professional judgment and prioritization. Ability to focus on the highest‑risk items and allocate time, accordingly, juggling multiple job duties and clients. Effectively communicates with clients, teammates, and managers to work toward common goals and deadlines. Working Conditions Working Conditions : Onsite work is performed in an office setting. Standard Hours/Schedule : 35 hours per week Primarily remote role with flexibility to work on‑site and optional in‑person meetings bi‑monthly. On‑site attendance expectations may evolve based on business needs. Visa Sponsorship Information : Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre‑Employment Screening : Identity, Education. Other Information : Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application. This position has a 90‑day orientation and review period. Benefits 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harvard University