Accounting Assistant

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The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth

C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

The Accounting Financial Associate serves as a primary point of contact for departments and centers, providing accounting support that promotes the accuracy and compliance of financial records. With a strong foundation in accounting principles and university policies, this role is responsible for processing and reviewing journal entries and ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures, accounting standards, audit requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.

Working independently with minimal supervision, the Accounting Financial Associate conducts monthly reviews of default transactions and income and expense object code activity, partnering with unit finance staff to identify and process necessary adjustments. Through these activities, this role helps maintain accurate financial records, supports effective internal controls, and contributes to successful internal and external audits.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Independently perform complex accounting activities including translating business needs from local departments to journal entries
• Provide technical advice and problem resolution for a department on varied accounting issues
• Prepare and analyze journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, and account analysis to ensure accuracy of financial data
• Recognize long term implications of entry and work with accounting group to make database updates to eliminate need going forward
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures in accordance with GAAP standards.
• Perform data entry tasks with high accuracy; handle journal entry processes efficiently.
• Collaborate with internal teams on financial audits, internal controls, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulations.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring 1 day on campus (subject to change)
Physical Requirements: Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 3+ years’ related experience
• Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience
• Experience with Excel, standard office tools and database software required.

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong proficiency in accounting software such as Oracle Financials
• Advanced knowledge of financial concepts including debits & credits, journal entries, account reconciliation, and general…