Research Finance Team Lead
Job-Specific Responsibilities The Research Finance Team Lead in the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) supervises staff and supports a team that manages post-award activities for a large volume of federal and non-federal sponsored research projects at Harvard University. Reporting to a Research Finance Portfolio Team Manager, this position encompasses a range of administrative, financial, and other tasks associated with post-award activities, including reviewing sponsored expenditures for compliance with award terms, completing timely financialreports and invoices, ensuring that funds are collected, and reconciling and closing accounts. This position supports the Portfolio Team Manager in managing client relationships, providing determinations for complex situations, managing team workload, and mentoring staff. Portfolio Oversight and Operations Responsible for fulfilling financial reporting requirements of Harvard's sponsors, including reporting, cash management, account reconciliation and award closeout for a complex individual portfolio as well as general oversight at the school level Develops reporting mechanisms and financial models, typically in Excel, to analyze the financial position of awards and portfolios Provides ongoing monitoring and assessment of team workloads and assignments to staff and coordinates updates with the Portfolio Manager Interprets award terms and makes decisions regarding the setup and scheduling of financial deliverables in compliance with Harvard policies Generates and reviews financial reports for expense appropriateness and allowability under government and sponsor compliance requirements (e.g., Federal Uniform Guidance; sponsor-specific guidelines) Interprets complex sponsored regulations, guidelines, award terms and conditions, and award notices and agreements, as well as financial data, to assess and resolve complex issues Reviews and signs invoices, reports, and other financial documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance, as an authorized signatory of the University for sponsored awards Process Management and Improvement Creates internal guidelines to ensure compliance with University and federal regulations and takes the lead on identifying, suggesting, and implementing improvement opportunities Works with the sponsored community throughout the award lifecycle to provide post-award subject matter expertise with a focus on customer service and collaborative resolutions Independently represents Research Finance on University-wide committees and IT projects as needed Proactively connects with internal colleagues and demonstrates an understanding of their responsibilities, processes, and systems Adapts to constantly evolving internal and external environment and models early adopter behavior in support of team's experience through change Outreach Performs financial analysis of research portfolio by department and school to summarize performance and trends, highlight potential issues, and present potential solutions Analyzes data and provides metrics for team and clients Supports Portfolio Manager by taking ownership of school-level relationships, helping resolve or escalate complex issues and work across units to resolve (in addition to excellent department-level relationship management) Serves as a first point of contact and support to Financial Analysts to escalate complex compliance questions and advise on resolutions Proactively educates departments on policies, processes, and best practices through daily interactions and training initiatives Mentoring and Training Supervises day-to-day reporting and troubleshooting duties of staff, teaching them to resolve issues and use critical thinking to make decisions Identifies training gaps, including internal processes, that can be addressed with Research Finance and other University trainings Models collaboration with colleagues in Pre-Award offices and other financial units and departments to ensure business continuity by building constructive relationships Typical Core Duties Perform complex post-award activities including award approval and set up, analysis and reporting and long range financial planning May act as signatory for the University, to endorse, negotiate, and/or accept grants and awards May function as a subject matter expert and/or project lead Evaluate post-award research administration procedures, recommend improvements Provide technical advice for and problem resolution for a school/unit financial community on research administration Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable federal and sponsor rules and regulations Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations Additional Qualifications and Skills The following Additional 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. Proficiency with MS Office suite, including Word, intermediate to advanced proficiency with Excel (fluency with arithmetic formulas and the ability to solve problems using the tool) Exposure to and experience with restricted fund environment a plus Extensive knowledge and fluency in governmental regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR) Knowledge of Sponsored Research Administration and Finance a plus Excellent business writing and interpersonal communication skills Ability to resolve issues in a diplomatic manner and balance the juxtaposition of compliance and customer service Independent problem resolution skills in a team environment A sense of urgency and ownership Ability to escalate issues and provide potential solutions Sound judgment and the ability to influence colleagues at all levels with tact and diplomacy Working Conditions Interview and onboarding activity for this position may be conducted via telephone & Zoom video conferencing, based on the department's current presence on campus. This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will begin your work remotely. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT). The fully remote nature of this job is only temporary. Once the University and your supervisor determine that it is appropriate, in-person on-campus work will be required as a condition of continued employment. FAD is currently developing hybrid workplace models which will actively support some remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and team needs allow. Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard's Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard's Coronavirus Workplace Additional Information Please provide a cover letter with your application and upload as one document. Please note:
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. This position has a 90-day orientation and review period. More about FAD:
FAD is committed to an engaging and diverse culture, strong values, and client partnership. The department is led by the Vice President for Finance (VPF), is comprised of eight reporting units:
Office of the Controller Office of Finance and Administration Office of Financial Strategy and Planning Office for Sponsored Programs Office of Treasury Management Risk Management and Audit Services Strategic Procurement Capital Planning and Project Services Total Rewards:
Harvard's Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and reward the performance of talented employees. As a Harvard staff member, you enjoy many perks that come with working for one of the top employers in Massachusetts, including:
Flexible work environment:
FAD supports flexible work arrangements where business needs allow. Paid Time Off:
3 - 4 weeks accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 paid holidays plus winter recess, and 3 personal days awarded each calendar year. Medical/Dental/Vision:
We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans. Retirement:
University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP):
$40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. Transportation:
50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute. Wellness options:
A variety of programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston. Accessibility:
Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.
Salary Range:
$80K -- $100K
Minimum Qualification
Corporate FinanceEstimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. This position has a 90-day orientation and review period. More about FAD:
FAD is committed to an engaging and diverse culture, strong values, and client partnership. The department is led by the Vice President for Finance (VPF), is comprised of eight reporting units:
Office of the Controller Office of Finance and Administration Office of Financial Strategy and Planning Office for Sponsored Programs Office of Treasury Management Risk Management and Audit Services Strategic Procurement Capital Planning and Project Services Total Rewards:
Harvard's Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and reward the performance of talented employees. As a Harvard staff member, you enjoy many perks that come with working for one of the top employers in Massachusetts, including:
Flexible work environment:
FAD supports flexible work arrangements where business needs allow. Paid Time Off:
3 - 4 weeks accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 paid holidays plus winter recess, and 3 personal days awarded each calendar year. Medical/Dental/Vision:
We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans. Retirement:
University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP):
$40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. Transportation:
50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute. Wellness options:
A variety of programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston. Accessibility:
Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.
Salary Range:
$80K -- $100K
Minimum Qualification
Corporate FinanceEstimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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