Independently perform a variety of accounting activities including: posting journal entries, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports. As a vital member of the CSFA team, the Senior Accounting & Compliance Specialist reports to the Senior Accounting Manager and contributes significantly to the execution of financial and accounting operations within the CS Operating Unit. This role is primarily responsible for supporting accounting functions, implementing efficient processes leveraging technology and automation, and maintaining robust internal control. The Senior Accounting & Compliance Specialist collaborates with a team of professionals, handling day-to-day responsibilities such as Campus Services general ledger accounting, billing and accounts receivable, and reconciliation, while proactively driving process enhancements. They play an essential role in University Issued Card, Chart of Account, and System Access Administration. They uphold and continuously improve internal controls and ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University and CS-specific accounting and financial policies, and applicable federal and state regulations. This position emphasizes independence, critical analysis, strong communication, technical accounting system skill, and innovative problem-solving to ensure operational excellence and compliance in all aspects of accounting.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Technology & Automation
- Serve as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., TripleSeat, Agilysys, etc..), collaborating with IT, business units, and colleagues to optimize utilization, identify and resolve system accounting issues.
- Leverage technology and automation to drive enhancements in accounting processes and strengthen internal controls by proactively identifying automation opportunities, mapping and improving workflows, providing accounting and process requirements for technical solutions, and participating in system integrations.
- Participate in User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating closely with business units, CS HUIT, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, resolve technology-related issues, and ensure seamless process optimization and adoption.
Accounting & Internal Control
- Serve as an expert accounting resource for CSFA colleagues and Campus Services Business Units, providing guidance and training on accounting policies, internal control procedures, and financial systems; develop and write job aids as needed to enhance team expertise.
- Act as the lead contact for Harvard University Dining Services in his/her area of accounting responsibilities.
- Propose and implement improvements in accounting operations and financial reporting, collaborating with CSFA colleagues, Campus Services Business Units, and leadership while ensuring compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and best practices. Actively contribute to a process improvement subcommittee.
- Use critical thinking to prepare, approve, and review journal entries in accordance with Campus Services and University policies and key controls, ensuring all entries meet accuracy, documentation, and reperformance standards.
- Perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings independently, applying critical thinking and professional skepticism to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established deadlines and standards, leveraging off of automation and using critical thinking to independently resolve exceptions.
- Ensure all aspects of the billing cycle (e.g.: recording revenue, billing, and receipt processing) are performed timely and accurately, closely collaborating with Campus Services and other university colleagues to achieve this goal.
- Independently perform complex accounting reconciliations and analysis, ensuring all supporting documentation is complete, identifying and resolving variances, and independently resolving accounting issues in collaboration with colleagues within Campus Services and across the university as warranted. Designs templates for reconciliation.
- Independently identify and resolve accounting issues, leveraging strong analytical skills and collaborating effectively as necessary.
- Provides guidance and leadership in key areas including:
- CARD Administration
- Serves as the Campus Services CARD (PCARD, Corporate, and Department Card) subject matter expert, acting as a liaison between central administration and Campus Services and providing guidance to Campus Service departments to help maintain compliance with university policy.
- Member of CS PCard working groups and support ongoing development of additional CS PCard Initiatives.
- Prepares ad hoc reports.
- Chart of Account Administration
- Maintain the Campus Services Chart of Accounts (COA) in accordance with Harvard University policy.
- Provide guidance to CSFA team members on the proper COA structure.
- System access administration
- Review access requests for Campus Services financial systems, ensuring compliance with university policy.
- Participates in the annual review of system access for Harvard University and Campus Service financial systems which involves identifying the systems, designing templates, reconciling access data against HR data, coordinating with Business Units to resolve exceptions, and removing access when warranted.
Other Responsibilities
- Prepare ad-hoc reports for management and internal customers, using expertise in accounting data analysis to support decision-making.
- Serve as backup for critical activities and cross-train with other team members, ensuring strong business continuity and team support.
- Other duties as assigned to support CSFA’s mission and adapt to evolving business needs.
Working Conditions
This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 2 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.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Demonstrated working knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP strongly preferred).
- Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills with keen attention to detail, discretion, and independent judgment.
- Capable of working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and handle multiple time-sensitive functions and changing assignments.
- Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel; able to learn and utilize various accounting systems, with experience in financial systems and data query tools—Oracle Financial and IBM Maximo preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of accounting systems, process automation, and technology-driven workflow improvements.
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, CORI, References
Other Information:
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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 056. 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.
