Financial Analyst I

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Analyst I (FA I) supports the Research Finance Operations Team in Harvard University’s Office for Sponsored Programs. The role applies standard practices to interpret and record financial terms in the Grants Management Application Suite (GMAS), prepares and submits a high volume of standardized sponsor invoices and reports, and monitors collection of outstanding accounts receivable. Success requires balancing accuracy with work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

The FA I reviews sponsored agreements for payment and financial-reporting terms, then records invoice schedules, financial deliverables, and related information in GMAS. The role prepares standard invoices and financial reports through GMAS’s automated process and may work directly with sponsors, clients, and colleagues to meet sponsor requirements. It also coordinates collection efforts for outstanding sponsored payments.

Work effort is anticipated to be approximately 35% scheduling, 35% invoicing and financial reporting, 20% accounts receivable collection, and 10% project-based duties. Projects may include business-process documentation, training initiatives, account reconciliation and closeout, ad hoc data analysis, and other special projects. The position is primarily remote, with flexibility to work on-site and optional in-person meetings twice monthly; location and schedule are set by the department based on operational needs. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of direct accounting, financial management, data analysis, and/or grants management experience; progress toward relevant professional certification may count toward experience.
• Ability to prioritize and manage large volumes of work in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion and judgment.
• Working knowledge of accounting and direct experience in financial management.
• Problem-solving orientation and ability to be thorough while summarizing and conveying the bigger picture.
• Proven ability to use multiple financial and reporting systems and applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Cover letter required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fund accounting or sponsored accounting.
• Experience in sponsored programs or a research environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret financial terms and conditions in sponsored agreements and serve as a principal source of information about them.
• Record financial deliverable schedules and related information accurately in GMAS.
• Prepare timely and accurate invoices and financial reports according to sponsor deadlines.
• Analyze financial data to identify potential risks and issues, propose solutions and best practices, and enter General Ledger adjustments when needed.
• Work with the team and across Research Finance to update and develop business processes and identify best practices.
• Liaise with sponsors, school financial offices, academic department leadership, pre-award offices, and central finance and technology units to clarify sponsor requirements, processes, and systems.
• Provide backfill for peers and additional support during busy periods while consistently applying processes and practices to new assignments.
• Assist with developing and delivering metrics and reports, business-process documentation, training initiatives, and special projects.
• Coordinate collection efforts for outstanding sponsored payments with sponsors and clients.
• Complete project-based work such as account reconciliation and closeout and ad hoc data analysis.

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