Research Accounting Systems Strategist

Reporting to the Director of Finance Systems Transformation, the Research Accounting Systems Strategist provides tactical and strategic systems design and support to the Research and Research Finance organization and its systems (Workday and the related integrations to Info Ed, OnCore, Minuet/Inteum, Fund Driver). This role is a key member of the cross functional Workday support team, responsible for the design, implementation, testing and continuous optimization the Research Accounting systems capabilities for research financial management, analysis and reporting.

This newly established role will work closely with Research Administration, Finance, Research and Special Funds Accounting, Payroll, HRIS and Budget to maintain and enhance our key accounting systems and applications including but not limited to Workday and Fund Driver and the integrations to Info Ed, OnCore, Minuet.

This is a remote position with occassional time on campus. The selected candidate must live and work from one of the New England states (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT)

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Play a critical role in the continuous design, implementation and optimization of Workday’s research administration and accounting functionality. Assist in the assessment of new system functionality and implementation of new research accounting and financial reporting tools.
• Assist in the testing, implementation and upgrade of financial and research administration systems (Workday, Info Ed, OnCore, Minuet/Inteum, Fund Driver). Execute and document semi-annual end to end testing for Workday updates.
• Maintain documentation of processes, user guides and standard operating procedures. Train the end users on Workday and other system best practices and serve as a partner to the business for continuous process improvement. Serve as contact for end users in research administration, research accounting and finance requiring technical or functional support.
• Collaborate with Finance, IS, HRIS, SCM and Research departments, system vendors and consultants to identify and implement system enhancements.
• Generate and distribute scheduled and ad hoc financial reports for internal stakeholders. Support audit and compliance efforts by providing system data and supporting documentation.
• Recommend process improvements based on user feedback and system performance.
• Participate in user training and onboarding for system tools and reporting functionalities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Information Systems, Business Administration or a related field required.
• 5 years’ experience in research accounting, finance or accounting systems design required.
• Experience in financial system support in research, higher education or non-profit environment
• Experience with project management, change management and business process improvement.
• Experience in Workday and ERP system design.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Familiarity with sponsored research regulations and financial compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NIH requirements).
• Strong systems mindset and understanding of accounting system workflows.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical issues into user-friendly language.
• Knowledge of Workday, Info Ed and OnCore.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every…