What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Assistant, IT position at Harvard Business School?
Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Harvard Business School (HBS) IT is a nimble, innovative, strategic partner who crafts, delivers and supports pioneering technology solutions that connect, enable and inspire the HBS community to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Visit our website for more information: http://www.hbs.edu/information-technology/about-us.
Job Description
Job Summary:
Are you energized by rigorous analysis and using data to inform meaningful decisions in a mission-driven academic environment? Do you naturally ask “why,” look for patterns, and push for better ways of doing things? If you are curious, self-motivated, and ready to grow in a high-expectation setting, this is an opportunity to be a part of a team that contributes to supporting teaching, research, and institutional strategy.
The Financial Assistant, IT reports to the Associate Director of IT Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and plays a central role in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-range planning. This position supports core budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities while enhancing the accuracy, usability, and efficiency of financial information through improved processes and automation. The role independently performs complex financial analysis, contributes to budget development, and delivers clear, data-informed insights that support effective decision making and responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
The ideal candidate is analytically strong, intellectually curious, and motivated to learn and grow. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where asking questions and proposing solutions are encouraged. They clearly explain financial concepts, build strong relationships across teams, and demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Financial Operations & Compliance
Basic Qualifications:
The following are preferred:
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 054. 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:
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.
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Harvard Business School (HBS) IT is a nimble, innovative, strategic partner who crafts, delivers and supports pioneering technology solutions that connect, enable and inspire the HBS community to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Visit our website for more information: http://www.hbs.edu/information-technology/about-us.
Job Description
Job Summary:
Are you energized by rigorous analysis and using data to inform meaningful decisions in a mission-driven academic environment? Do you naturally ask “why,” look for patterns, and push for better ways of doing things? If you are curious, self-motivated, and ready to grow in a high-expectation setting, this is an opportunity to be a part of a team that contributes to supporting teaching, research, and institutional strategy.
The Financial Assistant, IT reports to the Associate Director of IT Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and plays a central role in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-range planning. This position supports core budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities while enhancing the accuracy, usability, and efficiency of financial information through improved processes and automation. The role independently performs complex financial analysis, contributes to budget development, and delivers clear, data-informed insights that support effective decision making and responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
The ideal candidate is analytically strong, intellectually curious, and motivated to learn and grow. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where asking questions and proposing solutions are encouraged. They clearly explain financial concepts, build strong relationships across teams, and demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Financial Operations & Compliance
- Review and approve purchase orders and payment requests in procurement system (B2P), ensuring accurate budget allocation and compliance with University policies
- Review and approve employee reimbursements, Corporate and Purchasing Card transactions in Concur, ensuring accuracy, appropriate allocation, and policy adherence
- Prepare fiscal month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, accrual journal entries, and prepaid expense adjustments
- Serve as a financial resource to the IT department responding to transactional and budget-related inquiries
- Promote consistent use of financial tools, including appropriate application of the University’s chart of accounts
- Develop and distribute monthly financial reports, including budget-to-actual analyses across projects and teams to inform resource allocation and decision making
- Meet regularly with budget owners to review projections, analyze variances, and highlight key risks and opportunities
- Monitor financial trends and identify potential budgetary or compliance issues and prepare journal entries to correct discrepancies and process chargebacks
- Support the Associate Director of FP&A in preparing annual operating budgets, multi-year financial plans, and related processes
- Conduct ad hoc financial analyses and assist with the development of program, project or activity-specific budgets as needed
- Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
- Complete other responsibilities as assigned
- Additional support outside of regularly scheduled hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holiday breaks, may occasionally be required
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required
- Minimum of four years’ experience in finance, accounting or related field is required
- Education beyond high school may count toward experience
The following are preferred:
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations
- Proven ability to build relationship and collaborate across all organizational levels and with external partners
- Exceptional organizational and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and lookup functions
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and general web-based tools
- Appointment End Date: This position is approved for a 2-year term (with the possibility of renewal/extension) which begins on the first day of employment.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: This is a 40 hours per week, overtime eligible position
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $71,657-$75,086, commensurate with experience
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
- Other Information:
- This role is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA-based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite at least three days per week and for departments to provide onsite coverage Monday - Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
- We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
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 054. 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
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.
Salary : $71,657 - $75,086