Harvard University

Cost Analyst

Q: What qualifications are required for the Harvard University Cost Analyst role?

This Cost Analyst position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience . Candidates should have foundational knowledge of accounting, finance, or data analysis , along with basic understanding of financial reporting and cost allocation . Strong data validation, advanced Excel, and reporting skills are strongly preferred. Explore related roles in administration jobs or higher ed admin jobs .

Q: Is visa sponsorship available for this Cost Analyst position?

No. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have work authorization in the United States that meets University requirements. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Review higher ed career advice for broader guidance.

Q: What are the main responsibilities of a Cost Analyst at Harvard University?

The role supports Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) cost accounting activities for the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) . Key duties include data validation and scrubbing of research base data, supporting space surveys , maintaining financial and operational reports , monitoring cost sharing , effort commitments , and equipment purchases , and supporting service center rate analysis . See more about higher education administration roles.

Q: What is the work schedule and remote work policy for this role?

This is a primarily remote role with flexibility to work on-site, including optional in-person meetings bi-monthly. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week . Work location may be subject to Harvard’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts and can evolve based on business needs. For more school administration insights, visit higher ed admin jobs .

Q: How do I apply for the Harvard Cost Analyst job, and what materials are required?

Applications must include a cover letter . Strong candidates will highlight advanced Excel skills , data analysis experience , and familiarity with financial reporting or cost allocation . Use Harvard’s online application portal and ensure your resume is tailored. For help, review the free cover letter template and free resume template .

Closes: Oct 17, 2026

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Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University.

More about FAD: Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change. Within our own community, we aspire to:

Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity
Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility
Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/)

Job Summary

The Office for Sponsored Programs is a department within Harvard University’s Financial Administration (FAD) that is focused on providing high-quality administrative and financial assistance to faculty and other University affiliates performing sponsored research. OSP works with researchers and schools across Harvard to help obtain and negotiate awards from sponsoring agencies, assist with grant proposal preparation, ensure compliance with federal regulations and University policies, provide financial support including financial reporting and billing and collection services, assist with audits, and promote knowledge of sponsored research administration throughout the University research community through training and other educational programs.

The Cost Analyst position supports Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) cost accounting activities by coordinating data collection and performing analysis and reporting on financial and operational data related to the Facilities & Administrative (F&A) cost proposal, space utilization, service center operations, and cost sharing. Ensures data accuracy, produces reliable reports, and supports senior staff in cost allocation, compliance monitoring, and rate development processes.

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Perform data validation and scrubbing of research base data, including sponsored and non-sponsored activity, to ensure accuracy and completeness for F&A cost proposal development and related analyses.
Support space survey processes by coordinating data collection with departments, validating submissions, and producing reports for analysis of space utilization and research density.
Develop and maintain recurring and ad hoc reports related to space utilization, research activity, cost allocation, and financial performance.
Create, update, and maintain financial and operational reports used to monitor sponsored activity, including budget-to-actual comparisons, spending trends and forecasts, proposal and award trends, and identification of underspent, overspent, or unreconciled accounts.
Monitor key compliance areas through ongoing reporting and review, including cost sharing, effort commitments, equipment purchases, and invalid code combinations to ensure accurate, complete, and compliant accounting.
Support service center rate analysis by preparing supporting data, performing variance analysis, generating internal billing reports, and assisting with midyear reviews and external usage analysis to ensure alignment with rate assumptions.
Serve as a point of contact for sponsored capital equipment, coordinating with FAS equipment managers to support tracking, reporting, and compliance.
Prepare documentation and supporting schedules for internal and external reporting requirements, including audit and compliance reviews.
Communicate reporting results, compliance observations, and data insights to departments, centers, and FAS leadership, including faculty and administrative staff.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

For consideration, please include a cover letter.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience.
Foundational knowledge of accounting, finance, or data analysis.
Basic understanding of financial reporting and cost allocation concepts.
Ability to work with large datasets and ensure data accuracy.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following 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.

Strong data analysis and reporting skills (advanced Excel or similar tools).
Ability to organize and validate large datasets.
Attention to detail and data accuracy.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Ability to translate data into clear reports and insights.
Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
Basic understanding of financial systems and reporting tools.

Additional Information

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Working Conditions: Primarily remote role with flexibility to work on-site and optional in-person meetings bi-monthly. On-site attendance expectations may evolve based on business needs.
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Other Information: This position has a 90 day orientation and review period

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.

Job details

Title: Cost Analyst
Employer: Harvard University
Location: Cambridge
Published: Aug 18, 2026
Closes:: Oct 17, 2026
Job type: Full time, Staff / Administration
Field: Business and Financial Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Harvard University Cost Analyst role?

This Cost Analyst position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have foundational knowledge of accounting, finance, or data analysis, along with basic understanding of financial reporting and cost allocation. Strong data validation, advanced Excel, and reporting skills are strongly preferred. Explore related roles in administration jobs or higher ed admin jobs.

🚫Is visa sponsorship available for this Cost Analyst position?

No. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have work authorization in the United States that meets University requirements. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Review higher ed career advice for broader guidance.

📊What are the main responsibilities of a Cost Analyst at Harvard University?

The role supports Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) cost accounting activities for the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP). Key duties include data validation and scrubbing of research base data, supporting space surveys, maintaining financial and operational reports, monitoring cost sharing, effort commitments, and equipment purchases, and supporting service center rate analysis. See more about higher education administration roles.

🏠What is the work schedule and remote work policy for this role?

This is a primarily remote role with flexibility to work on-site, including optional in-person meetings bi-monthly. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week. Work location may be subject to Harvard’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts and can evolve based on business needs. For more school administration insights, visit higher ed admin jobs.

📝How do I apply for the Harvard Cost Analyst job, and what materials are required?

Applications must include a cover letter. Strong candidates will highlight advanced Excel skills, data analysis experience, and familiarity with financial reporting or cost allocation. Use Harvard’s online application portal and ensure your resume is tailored. For help, review the free cover letter template and free resume template.

About the employer

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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