Financial Analyst at HarvardUniversity

The Financial Analyst works independently on key components of the Harvard Real Estate (HRE) business unit and reports to the HRE Financial Manager.  Excellent customer service, responsiveness, patience, organizational and follow-through skills as well as comfort and proficiency navigating new and existing financial systems are essential to this role. General Financial Duties (40%) • Reviews transactions for compliance and accuracy. • Supports administration of capitalized projects and capital planning. • Responds to unit inquiries regarding spending, balances, and budget categories. • Serve as a policy resource for assigned units, advises on transaction appropriateness, and makes recommendations about best mechanisms for all transactions.   • Provide training on financial models, financial systems, policies & procedures.Month End Close (25%) • Review business income statements with financial manager and research & explain unbudgeted expenses or other variances as requested. • Attend customer meetings to review financials. • Prepare journal vouchers and reclasses as identified through the monthly review process.Financial Reporting (15%) • Review business income statements with financial manager and research & explain unbudgeted items. • Complete year end analysis and provide detailed explanations of business line variances versus budget.   • Assist Financial Manager with preparation of year-end report. Prepare supporting schedules and update all business performance metrics & graphs. • Prepare ad-hoc analysis to inform budget assumptions. • Prepare standard monthly reports for the financial manager and key metrics as requested.Budgeting, Forecasting & Multi-Year Financial Planning (15%) • Assist with the preparation of budget worksheets for business manager input.\ • Prepare quarterly financial reviews and re-forecasts.  Research and describe variances. • Work with business managers and other internal groups to gather information and budget for all revenue & expense categories. • Load all data into the budget system and review financial models to ensure accuracy. • Assist Financial Manager with preparation of budget narratives. Prepare supporting schedules and business performance metrics & graphs. • Assist Financial Manager with annual the multi-year financial plan process.Other (5%) • Work with business managers on various special projects and analysis as necessary. • Develop knowledge and skills in the use of new and existing business-specific and/or University systems that support transactions and/or reports necessary for accurate business accounting. • Team with the Campus Services Controller’s department and/or other Harvard departments to improve business processes and systems. • Assist in the documentation, implementation, and communication of accounting procedures in conjunction with improving existing procedures.Working Conditions: • Work is performed in an office setting • This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 3 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.