Manager, Research Finance Operations

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Research Finance, this full-time position in the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) is responsible for the cash management and post-award operations within Research Finance. Cash responsibilities include drawdowns and reporting for Federal letters of credit, processing sponsored payments, and accounts receivable collections. The team operates in a high-speed, high-volume environment, and is responsible for ensuring data integrity in the sponsored system of record, including, but not limited to, the review of all sponsored agreements, scheduling deliverables, and processing monthly deliverables.

This role, in collaboration with the other Research Finance Managers and the Director, is responsible for maintaining and developing processes, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with sponsor financial requirements and Harvard policy. The Manager must have the ability to multitask and prioritize critical tasks easily, the ability to understand and investigate complex issues, influence others, and resolve matters as they arise. This role requires strategic thinking about structures or solutions that create effective end-to-end workflow across the organization, requiring process documentation, systems development, and other technology solutions.

Interfacing regularly with other OSP managers, the Manager assists with the development of reporting and dashboards to provide University-wide analysis of Research Finance metrics, including, but not limited to: accounts receivable, financial deliverables, and unreconciled accounts. These metrics assist OSP leadership and schools on matters that may require additional oversight or escalation, and may require complex analysis, policy and regulatory interpretations.

This role manages a team of senior and junior financial analysts and is responsible for managing team operations and staff assignments related to cash management, financial reporting, invoicing, accounts receivable collection, and post-award data integrity. The Manager is responsible for assigning workloads, training and developing staff to meet sponsor deadlines. The Manager establishes a model for the team that develops strong and sustainable relationships with clients by providing advice and support, while ensuring compliance with University policy and sponsor terms. This includes collaboration and coordination with other University offices on accounting, cash, and finance topics.

Responsible for all aspects of performance development, the Manager encourages and supports staff with their career development, provides continuous feedback, sets clear expectations and challenge staff to think creatively when resolving issues.

Specific Duties Include:

• Optimize client service while ensuring coverage and business continuity during vacancies and absences
• Collaborate with peer managers to improve operations, customer service, and systems
• Assist with developing standard procedures and roles and responsibilities across Research Finance to reduce institutional risk and address operational issues
• Assist in developing and documenting policies, business process, job aids and tools
• Identify, develop and deliver training to staff and clients
• Serve as a University financial signatory
• Provide financial and accounting expertise, oversight and support to the team
• The position requires willingness to provide personally identifiable information (PII) necessary for identity authentication related to obtaining access to external sponsor systems.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Higher education experience and knowledge of sponsored programs
• A background in accounting operations with experience with audits is desired.
• Strong team management skills.
• Exceptional communication skills - verbal and written - are required.
• Must demonstrate ability to work under deadline pressure, hold staff accountable for deliverables, and operate in a changing regulatory environment.
• Technical and analytical skills for transaction reporting, financial analysis, and workflow management.
• Experience synthesizing data for, and presenting to, senior leadership.
• Must be proficient with desktop systems, including Microsoft Office suite with strong expertise in Excel.
• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application