Manager, Research Finance Operations

Reporting to the Director of Research Finance, this full-time position in the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) is responsible for the cash management and post-award operations within Research Finance.  Cash responsibilities include drawdowns and reporting for Federal letters of credit, processing sponsored payments, and accounts receivable collections.  The team operates in a high-speed, high-volume environment, and is responsible for ensuring data integrity in the sponsored system of record, including, but not limited to, the review of all sponsored agreements, scheduling deliverables, and processing monthly deliverables.   

This role, in collaboration with the other Research Finance Managers and the Director, is responsible for maintaining and developing processes, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with sponsor financial requirements and Harvard policy. The Manager must have the ability to multitask and prioritize critical tasks easily, the ability to understand and investigate complex issues, influence others, and resolve matters as they arise. This role requires strategic thinking about structures or solutions that create effective end-to-end workflow across the organization, requiring process documentation, systems development, and other technology solutions.   

Interfacing regularly with other OSP managers, the Manager assists with the development of reporting and dashboards to provide University-wide analysis of Research Finance metrics, including, but not limited to: accounts receivable, financial deliverables, and unreconciled accounts.  These metrics assist OSP leadership and schools on matters that may require additional oversight or escalation, and may require complex analysis, policy and regulatory interpretations. 

This role manages a team of senior and junior financial analysts and is responsible for managing team operations and staff assignments related to cash management, financial reporting, invoicing, accounts receivable collection, and post-award data integrity.  The Manager is responsible for assigning workloads, training and developing staff to meet sponsor deadlines. The Manager establishes a model for the team that develops strong and sustainable relationships with clients by providing advice and support, while ensuring compliance with University policy and sponsor terms.  This includes collaboration and coordination with other University offices on accounting, cash, and finance topics.   

Responsible for all aspects of performance development, the Manager encourages and supports staff with their career development, provides continuous feedback, sets clear expectations and challenge staff to think creatively when resolving issues.   

Specific Duties Include: 

• Optimize client service while ensuring coverage and business continuity during vacancies and absences 
• Collaborate with peer managers to improve operations, customer service, and systems 
• Assist with developing standard procedures and roles and responsibilities across Research Finance to reduce institutional risk and address operational issues 
• Assist in developing and documenting policies, business process, job aids and tools 
• Identify, develop and deliver training to staff and clients 
• Serve as a University financial signatory  
• Provide financial and accounting expertise, oversight and support to the team  
• The position requires willingness to provide personally identifiable information (PII) necessary for identity authentication related to obtaining access to external sponsor systems. 

Other Managerial duties may be assigned, including, but not limited to, assisting in implementing new tools/technologies, developing ad hoc reports using OAS, acting as a representative for Research Finance to other schools or clients, providing coverage for peer Managers when necessary, and assist with setting strategic goals and developing process improvements for Research Finance.

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. (prioritized in order of importance)

• Higher education experience and knowledge of sponsored programs  
• A background in accounting operations with experience with audits is desired.  
• Strong team management skills.  
• Exceptional communication skills - verbal and written - are required.  
• Must demonstrate ability to work under deadline pressure, hold staff accountable for deliverables, and operate in a changing regulatory environment.  
• Technical and analytical skills for transaction reporting, financial analysis, and workflow management.  
• Experience synthesizing data for, and presenting to, senior leadership. 
• Must be proficient with desktop systems, including Microsoft Office suite with strong expertise in Excel. 
• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application 

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: Onsite work is performed in an office setting.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  Primarily remote role with flexibility to work on-site and optional in-person meetings bi-monthly. On-site attendance expectations may evolve based on business needs.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education 
• Other Information:
  Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application. 
  This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.  

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology in support of the teaching and research mission of the University. The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) manages a diverse portfolio of federal, foundation, international, and industry sponsors; we provide lifecycle sponsored programs support and partner with schools, departments, and centers across the University to facilitate proposal submission, award acceptance and administration, and all sponsored financial reporting and invoicing throughout the life of the award. 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.