Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Campus Services Finance & Administration Department (CSFA) provides accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and planning, taxes and financial administrative support services to the Campus Services business units and the customers they serve. The organization is comprised of two main functions: Controller’s Office (Accounting Operations) and Financial Planning and Analysis. As a vital member of the CSFA team, the Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist reports to the Operational Accounting & Systems Manager and contributes significantly to the execution of financial and accounting operations within the CS Operating Unit. This role is primarily responsible for supporting accounting functions, implementing efficient processes leveraging technology and automation, and maintaining robust internal control. The Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist collaborates with a team of professionals, handling day-to-day responsibilities such as Campus Services operational accounting, billing and accounts receivable, and reconciliation, while proactively driving process enhancements. They uphold and continuously improve internal controls and ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University and CS-specific accounting and financial policies, and applicable federal and state regulations. This position emphasizes independence, critical analysis, strong communication, technical accounting system skill, and innovative problem-solving to ensure operational excellence and compliance in all aspects of accounting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP strongly preferred).
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills with keen attention to detail, discretion, and independent judgment.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and handle multiple time-sensitive functions and changing assignments.
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel; able to learn and utilize various accounting systems, with experience in financial systems and data query tools—Oracle Financial and Yardi preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting systems, process automation, and technology-driven workflow improvements.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred.
• Business experience in accounting, finance, or a related field, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., Yardi, etc..), collaborating with IT, business units, and colleagues to optimize utilization, identify and resolve system accounting issues.
• Leverage technology and automation to drive enhancements in accounting processes and strengthen internal controls by proactively identifying automation opportunities, mapping and improving workflows, providing accounting and process requirements for technical solutions, and participating in system integrations.
• Participate in User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating closely with business units, HUIT, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, resolve technology-related issues, and ensure seamless process optimization and adoption.
• Serve as an expert accounting resource for CSFA colleagues and Campus Services Business Units, providing guidance and training on accounting policies, internal control procedures, and financial systems; develop and write job aids as needed to enhance team expertise.
• Act as the lead contact for Harvard University Housing and Real Estate in his/her area of accounting responsibilities.
• Propose and implement improvements in accounting operations and financial reporting, collaborating with CSFA colleagues, Campus Services Business Units, and leadership while ensuring compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and best practices. Actively contribute to a process improvement subcommittee.
• Use critical thinking to prepare, approve, and review journal entries in accordance with Campus Services and University policies and key controls, ensuring all entries meet accuracy, documentation, and reperformance standards.
• Perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings independently, applying critical thinking and professional skepticism to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established deadlines and standards, leveraging off of automation and using critical thinking to independently resolve exceptions.
• Ensure all aspects of the billing cycle (e.g.: recording revenue, billing, and receipt processing) are performed timely and accurately, closely collaborating with Campus Services and other university colleagues to achieve this goal.
• Independently perform complex accounting reconciliations and analysis, ensuring all supporting documentation is complete, identifying and resolving variances, and independently resolving accounting issues in collaboration with colleagues within Campus Services and across the university as warranted. Designs templates for reconciliation.
• Independently identify and resolve accounting issues, leveraging strong analytical skills and collaborating effectively as necessary.
• Ensure that timely, accurate, and professional customer service is provided to CS customers and the University community.
• Develop and maintain productive partnerships with colleagues and customers within the Harvard community.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports for management and internal customers, using expertise in accounting data analysis to support decision-making.
• Serve as backup for critical activities and cross-train with other team members, ensuring strong business continuity and team support.
• Other duties as assigned to support CSFA’s mission and adapt to evolving business needs.

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: Senior