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Harvard University

Financial Associate I (Financial Associate)

Closes:

1,252

Posting date: September 15, 2026

External Reference: 003801SR

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Finance Associate provides support for finance and pre-award activities within the Finance and Research Administration team in the Immunology and Infectious Diseases department. Working closely with the Finance and Research administration team, including Grants Managers, Principal Investigators (including Faculty and other Researchers), and colleagues across the central Accounts Payable teams, the Finance Associate supports key finance, compliance, and accounts payable functions as well as proposal and budget preparation for Principal Investigators.

The role focuses on accurate execution of established processes under guidance, timely competition of recurring administrative and financial tasks, and strong collaboration between a variety of stakeholders. The Finance Associate provides excellent coordination and customer service support while maintaining a strong knowledge of finance and compliance. The ideal candidate has a willingness to learn a variety of different functions that support the research and financial operations of the department and can collaborate across functions and people to achieve a common objective.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, the Finance Associate provides a range of pre-award and finance support to IID faculty and researchers engaged in sponsored research and other projects. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Proposal Support:

  • Work with Principal Investigators (PIs) and their research teams on proposal development and submission for basic research grants and fellowships, especially for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Ensure documentation, formatting, and all other sponsor- and opportunity-specific requirements for proposal submission are met
  • Prepare proposal budgets using established templates and prepare budget justifications, ensuring that sponsor-specific regulatory requirements as well as Harvard policies and rates are met
  • Review and assemble proposal package (e.g., biosketches, current and pending support, facilities & resources)
  • Coordinate with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) for central review of proposal and work with PI and SPA to ensure proposal is submitted on time

Accounts Payable Support:

  • Support IID department's accounts payable functions, including payment requests, supplier invoice processing, creation of department purchase orders, and supplier set-up and onboarding
  • Coordinate with Harvard Accounts Payable central office, external vendors, and research lab members to resolve basic financial and invoicing issues. Escalate and assist with more complex issues
  • Respond promptly to routine lab member and grants manager inquiries regarding accounts payable processes and issues
  • Utilize reporting (such as Committed Funds Report, Invoice Holds Report) to support lab members and grants managers in resolving invoicing issues and assisting with lab purchasing procedures

Finance Support:

  • Prepare monthly journal entries for assigned accounts, and ad hoc journal entries for department as needed
  • Support department in internal review of lab spending and financial coding by doing spot checks on selected accounts. Providing support such as basic journal entries to resolve any identified issues.
  • Review corporate card payments and employee reimbursements with an emphasis on supporting documentation and travel compliance

Customer Service & Communication:

  • Respond promptly to routine faculty and staff inquiries regarding finance processes and proposal preparation
  • Provide basic guidance on process requirements and direct complex policy questions to appropriate team member(s)
  • Build trust by engaging with transparency and cooperation with a multitude of stakeholders (including students, faculty, and staff across functions) to achieve common objectives

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

4+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Experience with Excel, and working with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
  • Bachelor's Degree is strongly preferred, in related field a plus
  • Collaborative and excellent team player
  • Eagerness and willingness to learn, especially in the areas of finance, accounts payable, proposal preparation, and the overall financial operations of a research-focused department
  • Strong attention to detail, and aptitdue for working collaboratively across teams and units with faculty and staff throughout an organization
  • An understanding of and managing confidential information
  • A strong customer service orientation and experience working with a multitude of stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff at the University
  • Experience managing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Additional Information

  • 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

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 054. 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
Financial Associate I (Financial Associate)
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Boston
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Closes:
Nov 16, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Business and Financial Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications do I need for the Financial Associate I role?

You need 4+ years of related experience or a combination of education and experience. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is strongly preferred. Key skills include Excel, spreadsheets, databases, and familiarity with accounts payable and pre-award proposal support. Strong attention to detail, customer service orientation, and ability to handle confidential information are essential. See types of administration jobs in higher education and use this free resume template to highlight your qualifications.

💼What are the main responsibilities of a Financial Associate I at Harvard?

This finance associate role supports pre-award proposal development for NIH grants, prepares proposal budgets and justifications, and coordinates with Sponsored Programs Administration. Day-to-day also includes accounts payable functions such as payment requests, supplier invoices, and purchase orders, plus monthly journal entries and spot checks on lab spending. You'll respond to faculty and staff inquiries with a strong customer service focus. Explore similar university administration jobs.

🛂Is visa sponsorship available for this Harvard financial position?

No. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have existing U.S. work authorization. The role is based in Boston and follows a hybrid work format in a Harvard-registered state. For more higher education jobs, visit higher ed jobs.

🕐What hours and work format should I expect?

The standard schedule is 35 hours per week. This hybrid position can be performed partly at a non-Harvard location, but when not on campus you must work in a Harvard registered state per the Employment Outside of Massachusetts policy. The department sets the exact schedule and location based on operational needs. Learn more about university jobs and work formats.

💰What benefits does Harvard offer for this Finance Associate position?

Harvard provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one, retirement plans with university contributions, generous paid time off and parental leave, tuition assistance, and commuter benefits. The role is salary grade 054. See university salary guides for related pay information.

🗓️When is the application deadline and what screening is required?

The posting expires on November 16, 2026. Applications should be submitted before that date. The pre-employment screening is identity verification only. This role is listed under Business and Financial Services within Staff / Administration. For application tips, see how to write a winning academic CV.

About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

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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