Finance Associate

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance Associate provides foundational financial, transactional, and compliance support for academic departments and centers within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Manager of Financial Operations, this role supports day-to-day financial operations, ensures accurate processing of transactions, and assists faculty and staff with university financial procedures. Working with their manager, the Finance Associate is responsible for procurement review, travel and expense processing, accounts receivable, cash handling activities, and transactions associated with year-end close while developing knowledge of university financial systems and policies. Given the breadth and diversity of financial operations across the academic enterprise, the Finance Associate may perform additional financial, operational, and administrative responsibilities that are consistent with the scope and level of the position but are not specifically listed in this description. Responsibilities may evolve over time to meet changing business needs, support new initiatives, and ensure effective service to departments and centers.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience
• At least 3 years’ related experience (4+ years if no Associate’s degree)
• Computer competency requiring spreadsheet and database software
• Proficiency with Excel and standard office tools
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn financial policies and procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Customer service orientation and clear communication
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with guidance

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) desirable
• Basic familiarity with financial or expense systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, Concur) preferred

Responsibilities

• Review and approve requisitions for costing accuracy, funding availability, and compliance with competitive bidding requirements.
• Process and track change order requests.
• Reconcile P-Card and department card transactions in Concur.
• Review expense reports for required receipts and documentation, appropriate approvals, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Ensure travel expenses align with federal and institutional guidelines.
• Work with faculty and staff to obtain missing documentation and support timely submission in Concur.
• Process late reimbursements and non-employee travel reimbursements.
• Gather information needed for billing and record incoming payments.
• Assist in resolving unclaimed or unidentified incoming payments.
• Match payments to invoices and escalate discrepancies as needed.
• Review checks and wire transfers and indicate appropriate chart string/funding allocation.
• Respond to basic donor and external partner inquiries regarding payment methods.
• Confirm receipt of funds with donors and stakeholders as directed.
• Initiate wire transfers and support foreign payment processing.
• Manage and reconcile petty cash in compliance with policy.
• Receive and process invoices against open purchase orders.
• Assist in reviewing invoice holds reports and resolving exceptions.
• Process outstanding procurement card (P-Card) transactions.
• Deposit cash and check receipts in accordance with university policy.
• Assist in reviewing and claiming unclaimed incoming wire transfers.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree