Associate Director of Research Core Finance and Compliance

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience
• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, research administration, financial operations, or a related field.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• MBA, master’s degree, or other advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree