Assistant Controller

20-Sep-2024

Assistant Controller

Campus Services

66942BR

Position Description

About Campus Services Finance and Administration:
The mission of Campus Services Finance and Administration (CSFA) is to be an efficient and effective provider of accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and planning, procurement, taxes and financial administrative support services to Campus Services business units and the customers they serve and to support the University’s primary mission of teaching and research.  The organization is comprised of 3 main functions: Controller, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Procurement. 

 

Position Description Summary :
As a key member of the CSFA team, the Assistant Controller reports to the Controller and manages  the financial, accounting, and administrative strategies within the CS Operating Unit. The position is responsible for manages  all accounting functions, processes and procedures that support the diverse CS businesses within the University environment. The position manages a team of professionals responsible for day-to-day CS general ledger accounting, capital accounting, billing/accounts receivable, payroll and disbursements/accounts payable, and local PCARD, system, and Chart of Account administration. The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in maintaining internal controls, managing tax matters, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University and CS accounting/financial policies, and applicable federal/state regulations. The position assists the Controller in ensuring the fiscal soundness and operating effectiveness of the CS Financial and Administrative unit, and advises on all aspects of financial matters across the CS and University organization.
 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages the closing of the books on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for a large, complex and diverse portfolio of work that includes significant assets and liabilities across multiple lines of business.
• Manage and lead a team of accounting, payroll, and accounts payable professionals, providing coaching and development to ensure a high level of customer service and quality work.
• Responsible for ensuring all daily transactional support including journal entries, invoices, and PCARD program administration are performed accurately and timely 
• Responsible for   complex payroll ensuring accuracy and compliance across various payroll systems and union agreements.
• Assist with the integration and coordination of multiple operating systems with accounting processes, including, but not limited to:  Oracle, Yardi, Maximo, Kronos, and Momentus.
• Provides oversite for fixed asset administration including providing accounting guidance on capitalizing assets and projects; analyzing, impairing, and disposing of obsolete assets; monthly accounting, and the bi-annual physical inventory process. 
• Provides oversite for a variety of tax matters including oversight for a complex real estate portfolio spanning multiple jurisdictions and continuous review and updating of business practices that ensure adherence to federal, state and local tax policies.
• Ensure compliance with established University controls by working both locally and centrally to periodically test and update local accounting, processes, policies, and procedures.
• Develops related policies and controls to ensure compliance with unique financial situations under the responsibility of Campus Services as well as managing the financial intersection of Campus Services owned and manage business applications and Oracle/ Peoplesoft.
   

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

 Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a not-for-profit or higher education environment.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience with not-for-profit accounting and FASB standards and strong command of enterprise resource planning and financial and operational systems. Experience in data management, systems implementation, financial analysis, and redesign of business processes required. Experience in higher education preferred.
   
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. A people first manager who can communicate clearly, listen actively, and build rapport with all employees. 
   
• Empathy and care for employee well-being and work life balance. 
   
• Coaching mindset. Provides feedback, set goals, address issues, and help employees grow in their roles through ongoing guidance and development.
   
• Collaborative leadership style. Involves employees in decision-making, when possible, through collaboration, delegation and empowerment. 
   
• Flexibility and adaptability. Must be able to adapt to different employees and situations. 
   
• Focus on wellness, purpose, and growth. Helps employees find purpose in their work and opportunities to continuously learn and grow in their careers. 
   

Certificates and Licenses

• CPA Preferred or MBA preferred

Working Conditions

Remote Work: 

• This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 2 days per week to promote face to face interaction with team members and clients.  
• Any remote work should be performed in Massachusetts or in compliance with Harvard’s Out of State Employment Policy.  

Additional Information

Campus Services:
Campus Services provides essential services to the Harvard community. The 14 Campus Services departments have approximately 1,800 active employees (70% of staff are represented by eight unions) and a combined annual budget of more than $700 million. These departments provide stewardship, strategic support and client/customer services to the Harvard community in buildings and facilities, graduate housing, capital projects, sustainability, real estate, parking, transportation and commuter support, engineering and utilities, mail, printing and ID card support, dining, hospitality and events management, publishing administration, health and safety, and international support. 95% of these services are offered under market-based, competitive cost structures. 
 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Finance

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

F0160M Controller Mgt VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Salary Grade

060

Department

Administration and Finance Accounting

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Employment, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday: Flexible (general = 8am-5pm)

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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