Financial Analyst - job 1 of 2

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The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Summary:

The Financial Analyst plays a vital role in enabling the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) to reach thousands of educators annually with the highest-quality professional programs in education (PPE). Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Financial Analyst has primary responsibility for developing, projecting, and reporting on budgets and financial plans, for both the department and its individual programs, representing $15 million revenue. As a key player in PPE, the Financial Analyst partners closely with leaders throughout the organization to analyze financial performance and identify opportunities to enhance PPE’s services. The Financial Analyst is a key advisor to financial and organizational strategy, acting with independent initiative and on the Director of Finance’s behalf as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Department Reporting and Projections: Closely monitor and analyze department operating results,  prepare monthly reports and projections, forecast future financial scenarios, identify funding shortfalls and recommend alternative spending plans.  Prepare presentations for PPE and GSE leadership teams.

• Department Budgeting and Multi-Year Financial Planning: Serve as partner to the Director of Finance and other department leadership in developing annual operating budgets and multi-year financial plan. Prepare initial templates and instructions for budget holders, consolidate inputs,  and manage alternative scenarios proposed by multiple senior stakeholders. Participate in the annual multi-year financial plan.

• Program Budgeting and Analysis: Work closely with Portfolio Directors and unit leaders to develop programs’ operating budgets, project financial outcomes, and analyze and evaluate financial results, including significant variances and trends.  Develop materials and train budget managers to ensure optimal fiscal planning and financial compliance with PPE and HGSE policies and procedures.

• Pricing: Partner with the Portfolio Directors and the Directors of Marketing, Engagement, and Finance to analyze and recommend pricing for open enrollment programs.  Analyze and evaluate custom program opportunities to recommend pricing and contribute to proposals.

• Custom Programs: Manage the financials of custom programs including billing, collection, posting G/L transactions, and reporting. Participate in the review of and execution (closeout) of contracts.

• Financial Operations: Collaborate closely with Finance Manager and support financial operations as needed, including AR, AP, hiring and compensation, reconciliations, journal entries, month end closing and year end closing.

• Special Projects: Conduct analyses to respond to ad-hoc queries and strategic requests. 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with financial systems and data query tools
• Experience using Microsoft Office tools with advanced Excel 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.

• Knowledge of financial principles, accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
• Experience with Salesforce a plus
• Must be well organized, flexible, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task and prioritize in a dynamic environment

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $75,000
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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.