Financial Analyst III

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Office of Financial Services (OFS) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a talented financial
professional to join its budget team as a Financial Analyst. Reporting to the Senior Director of
Financial Planning and Analysis, the Financial Analyst will collaborate with a team of analysts to
support the School's financial planning, budgeting, and analysis activities.

OFS supports decision-making in key areas of financial management and strategic planning. The
person in this role will facilitate communication, analysis, and reporting related to the financial
performance of HKS departments and centers. The ideal candidate brings strong financial, analytical,
and technical skills and can work effectively with stakeholders who have varying levels of financial
knowledge.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Use the Harvard University Budget System (HUBS) and other financial data systems to pull, combine, reconcile, and upload information from multiple sources for analysis and reporting.
• Migrate data, reporting, and processes from current systems to new financial applications. This includes mapping data, testing, reconciling results, and documenting procedures.
• Conduct complex financial analyses and maintain financial models and projections.
• Analyze and project budgets and financial activity for multiple centers and departments.
• Provide financial support and help resolve issues for HKS departments and centers.
• Prepare quantitative analyses to support planning and decision-making
• Develop financial reports to support planning and decision-making.
• Review quarterly and year-end results, identifying variances from budget and prior-year results.
• Analyze data from multiple systems to produce regular and ad hoc financial reports.
• Account and deficit monitoring and reporting.
• Trouble-shooting issues such as data variances between systems or between different reporting. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• A complete application must include a resume and cover letter.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint.
• Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis, and financial modeling.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and demonstrated understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Experience using financial systems and data-query tools; knowledge of Harvard University financial systems strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A degree in finance, accounting, business, or related is a plus!

• Appointment End Date: This is a benefits eligible one-year term appointment from the date of hire, with the possibility of renewal.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, and required to work in person a minimum of 3 days/week.
• Application Instructions: In order for an application to be considered complete, it must include a resume and cover letter.

Work Format Details

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 057. 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.