Research Finance Team Lead

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Finance Team Lead in the Office for Sponsored Programs supervises staff and supports a team that manages post-award activities for a large volume of federal and non-federal sponsored research projects at Harvard University. Reporting to a Research Finance Portfolio Team Manager, this position encompasses a range of administrative, financial, and other tasks associated with post-award activities, including reviewing sponsored expenditures for compliance with award terms, completing timely financial reports and invoices, ensuring that funds are collected, and reconciling and closing accounts. This position supports the Portfolio Team Manager in managing client relationships, providing determinations for complex situations, managing team workload, and mentoring staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge and fluency in governmental regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR)
• Supervisory experience
• Proficiency with MS Office suite, intermediate to advanced proficiency with Excel (fluency with arithmetic formulas and the ability to solve problems using the tool)
• Knowledge of Sponsored Research Administration and Finance a plus
• Exposure to and experience with restricted fund environment a plus
• Excellent business writing and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to resolve issues in a diplomatic manner and balance the juxtaposition of compliance and customer service
• Independent problem resolution skills in a team environment
• A sense of urgency and ownership
• Ability to escalate issues and provide potential solutions
• Sound judgment and the ability to influence colleagues at all levels with tact and diplomacy

Responsibilities

• Responsible for fulfilling financial reporting requirements of Harvard’s sponsors, including reporting, cash management, account reconciliation and award closeout for a complex individual portfolio as well as general oversight at the school level.
• Develops reporting mechanisms and financial models, typically in Excel, to analyze the financial position of awards and portfolios
• Provides ongoing monitoring and assessment of team workloads and assignments to staff and coordinates updates with the Portfolio Manager
• Interprets award terms and makes decisions regarding the setup and scheduling of financial deliverables in compliance with Harvard policies
• Generates and reviews financial reports for expense appropriateness and allowability under government and sponsor compliance requirements (e.g. Federal Uniform Guidance; sponsor-specific guidelines)
• Interprets complex sponsored regulations, guidelines, award terms and conditions, and award notices and agreements, as well as financial data, to assess and resolve complex issues.
• Reviews and signs invoices, reports, and other financial documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance, as an authorized signatory of the University for sponsored awards.
• Creates internal guidelines to ensure compliance with University and federal regulations and takes the lead on identifying, suggesting, and implementing improvement opportunities.
• Works with the sponsored community throughout the award lifecycle to provide post-award subject matter expertise with a focus on customer service and collaborative resolutions.
• Independently represents Research Finance on University-wide committees and IT projects as needed.
• Proactively connects with internal colleagues and demonstrates an understanding of their responsibilities, processes, and systems.
• Adapts to constantly evolving internal and external environment and models early adopter behavior in support of team’s experience through change.
• Performs financial analysis of research portfolio by department and school to summarize performance and trends, highlight potential issues, and present potential solutions
• Analyzes data and provides metrics for team and clients
• Supports Portfolio Manager by taking ownership of school-level relationships, helping resolve or escalate complex issues and work across units to resolve (in addition to excellent department-level relationship management)
• Serves as a first point of contact and support to Financial Analysts to escalate complex compliance questions and advise on resolutions
• Proactively educates departments on policies, processes, and best practices through daily interactions and training initiatives
• Supervises day-to-day reporting and troubleshooting duties of staff, teaching them to resolve issues and use critical thinking to make decisions
• Identifies training gaps, including internal processes, that can be addressed with Research Finance and other University trainings
• Models collaboration with colleagues in Pre-Award offices and other financial units and departments to ensure business continuity by building constructive relationships
• Other duties 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

What This Job Offers

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