[Hiring] Financial Associate I @Harvard University

Role Description

The Office for External Education (OEE) is a highly entrepreneurial, diverse, and inclusive department within Harvard Medical School delivering a portfolio of innovative medical education opportunities. We achieve this through live, online, and blended programming as well as digital, multimedia, and print resources, to a breadth of learners, including current and aspiring health care professionals; leaders at all levels within companies that serve the health care industry; and individuals seeking to live healthier lives. OEE is supported by a team of over 200 faculty and staff with revenues ~ $75M generated through B2B and B2C relationships, as well as grant and gift funding.

The Financial Associate I reporting to the Director Financial Operations, performs accounting tasks and control functions that support the operations and financial record-keeping of OEE, focused on our Continuing Education portfolio. The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our financial processes, including:

• General Ledger (GL) maintenance
• Accounts Payable (AP)
• Accounts Receivable (AR)
• Financial Operations

This position will facilitate decision-making by processing financial transactions efficiently, implementing improvements, and providing recommendations as needed. This integral support role requires an individual who is adept at prioritizing and focusing on tasks key to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years of experience in finance or accounting or related field. Higher education may count towards experience.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understands financial systems and accounting procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and other Office suite applications.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Monday.com, Salesforce, Buy-to-Pay, Oracle Financial Systems a plus.
• Works independently or collaboratively with minimal supervision.
• Communicates and works effectively in a remote environment.

Requirements

• Processes a high volume of vendor payments and reimbursements in a timely manner.
• Resolves discrepancies or issues with vendor and faculty payments.
• Manages Accounts Receivable process: billing, communications, collections and customer management.
• Collaborates with OEE colleagues to resolve customer billing disputes or other unique issues.
• Reviews and approves departmental p-card transactions.
• Prepares accounting journals to support maintenance of the GL including CE course closing, revenue recognition through the CRM system for B2C and B2B, monthly adjustments, and accruals.
• Supports month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Manages balance sheet accounts by analyzing, reconciling and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Manages follow ups and review of any GL related inquiries by staff or central offices.
• Provides financial operations support to Continuing Education portfolio, including closing affiliate CE courses within deadlines.
• Delivers excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Manages and fosters cross-unit relationships.
• Prepares and assists with management of reporting requests.
• Collaborates effectively with the Financial Planning and Analysis department to support budget and reporting processes.
• Ensures compliance with University, School and Departmental financial operations policies.
• Supports team by providing coverage of tasks for other FinOps team members as needed.

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.