Harvard University

Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations
Harvard Kennedy School
53216BR

Job Summary

Responsible for the strategic direction of accounting, budgeting and control activities within a school or unit. Enhance the control environment by establishing and monitoring effective processes and systems.

Job Code
F0160M Controller Mgt VI

Job-Specific Responsibilities
The Controller is responsible for the strategic direction of accounting, payroll and control activities within the Office of Financial Services (OFS) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). They will report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and assist in the four general areas of internal controls, operational management, compliance, and by participating in strategic planning discussions as a member of the senior leadership of the financial team. The successful candidate has a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, has a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, and is a strong manager of people, able to navigate difficult conversations and support and develop a team with diverse skills and experience. We are a dedicated to building and fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture and we seek candidates who share this goal and will contribute to the excellence of our community.

Duties include:

• Works with finance colleagues at HKS and across the University to ensure high levels of customer service by providing professional, timely, and accurate financial services.
• Responsible for effective management of team of six HKS accounting Exempt and Non-Exempt staff including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Establishes and implementes short- and long-range organizational goals, strategic plans, policies and operating procedures.
• Develops implement and monitor accounting control processes and procedures that ensure compliance with University and HKS policies and procedures.
• Ensures accurate and timely financial reporting and adherence to GAAP, including quarterly and annual close reporting.
• Advises HKS leadership on all aspects of financial matters including regulatory and compliance issues.
• Collaborates with University-wide finance leadership to develop accounting processes, policies, procedures and systems.
• Manages administration of HKS payroll and accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense report and other reimbursement processing. Establishes protocols to ensure Departments and Centers process financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintains School's chart of accounts.
• Actively represents HKS at the University level in development of new financial systems and reporting capabilities and designs and manages their local implementation

• Furnishes internal reports, revises and updates reports to be more useful and efficient as necessary. Serves as a resource within HKS in the extraction of data and in the development of useful management reports
• Ensures financial compliance with University policy and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulations.

Typical Core Duties
 

• Responsible for effective staff management for a group or team of employees, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Establish and implement short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures
• Develop accounting and budgetary control processes
• Responsible for control activities including accounting, budgeting and reporting
• Advise leadership on all aspects of financial matters including regulatory and compliance issues
• Envision and plan systems to address organizational challenges
• Collaborate with University-wide finance leadership to develop accounting processes, policies and procedures
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulations

Basic Qualifications
 

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

Certificates and Licenses
 

• CPA Preferred

Working Conditions
 

• Work is performed in an office setting

Job Function
Finance

Sub Unit
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Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Office of Financial Services

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Salary Grade
060

Pre-Employment Screening
Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

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.

 

Apply Here
 

PI129380196