The Assistant Director of Finance is a vital member of the International Consulting & Operations (IC&O) team in Harvard Global Support Services, providing financial expertise and direction to the team's functional areas & across GSS. GSS supports Harvard University's international activities, including but not limited to employment and payroll services, research center operations, tax-efficient giving, and grant management across 11 entities in 8 countries through our 501c3, Harvard Global Research & Support Services, Inc. (Harvard Global).
The Assistant Director of Finance reports to the Associate Director of Finance & Budgets and manages four staff. The Assistant Director of Finance has an IC&O team-wide perspective and supports client relations management, strategic priorities, collaborations, and internal & external constituents.
The Assistant Director of Finance supports and advances an equitable and inclusive organizational culture that aligns with GSS' equity, diversity, inclusion, & belonging goals.
Finance, Budgeting, and Reporting: Co-develops the Harvard Global US budget with the Associate Director of Finance & Budgets, oversees the execution of the international entities' financial strategies and annual budgets, and supports business development strategies and models across the finance team. Manages the finance team's daily work and collaborates with the IC&O Associate Directors and team members where finance, consulting, compliance, and HR process & procedures merge.
Oversees Harvard Global's GL for entities including overseeing the daily work of all reporting, audits, & compliance concerns. Works with local in-country advisors to develop new policies based on changes in financial laws and practices. Conducts audits and works closely with local auditors on responding to and finalizing all audit requirements. Participates and leads Harvard Global's 990 filing and other University & US-based compliances.
Supports and oversees the provision of entities' budgets and financial information for Harvard Global's US board of directors. Actively engages in grant and donor processes and procedures. Prepares executive-level status reports on initiatives, projects, progress, and results of relevant activities.
Client Engagement: Maintains and actively engages with Harvard Global's clients at the University. Works with departments and area leads to address global questions and initiatives, especially regarding Harvard Global's entities, financial processes, and procedures. Leads Harvard Global's financial trainings and knowledge transfer and works closely with the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP), Alumni Development Services (ADS), Office of Treasury Management (OTM), and other internal financial offices to implement and ensure compliance with all University financial policies and local regulations.
Project Management/University Collaborations/Committees: Oversees and contributes to the implementation of Harvard Global's multi-currency GL, working with their line manager and the lead project consultant and as a valuable member of the implementation team. Works closely with their manager to complete the project and oversees ongoing GL issues and concerns. Works with Harvard University IT, OSP, Financial Administration, Tax, and Risk Management & Audit Services on University-wide initiatives as assigned by their manager. Regularly advises and contributes to department initiatives, projects, & outreach.
People Management and Collaboration: Responsible for supporting and mentoring their finance team. Oversees the team's daily work, conducts performance reviews, and coaches as necessary. Works with clients to build and manage budgets. Ensures that the team is achieving its goals and objectives as outlined in the GSS strategic plan.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
MBA or master's degree in a relevant field Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills Knowledge of advanced financial operations principles Experience with sponsored programs and gift accounting is a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to track multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously. Experience in higher education or an international non-governmental organization is a plus, and demonstrated ability to establish and meet project goals with limited direction is important. Experience evaluating and improving business processes and related communications. Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Customer service or consulting experience is a plus. Must handle confidential and personal information with discretion. Foreign language proficiency is a plus. Excellent collaboration skills are important.
Physical Requirements
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting on a hybrid schedule with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
International travel may be required. Occasional domestic travel.
Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel.
Additional Information
Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) offers international travel, research, and programming support in areas that span safety and security, health, culture, outbound immigration, employment, financial and legal matters, and research center operations. We serve students, faculty, staff, and academics across all Harvard Schools, departments, and centers. Our team brings expertise and professional connections to nearly every area of international travel and operations, making us a full-service resource and single point of contact for one-time engagements and longer-term collaborations. Since 2011, GSS has helped the Harvard community minimize risk, manage complexity, and feel confident about their international activities and travel. Learn more about GSS.
This position supports Harvard Global Research and Support Services, Inc. (Harvard Global), our separate but affiliated legal entity. Harvard Global is the mechanism through which GSS offers international employment and payroll services, research center operations, tax-efficient giving, and grant management in support of Harvard University's international activities. Established in 2012, Harvard Global is a nonprofit, fee-for-service organization. Learn more about Harvard Global.
COVID-19 – The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Additional Information
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
We regret that Harvard Central Administration & Campus Services does not provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
Interviewing at Harvard
When Submitting Your Candidacy on our Harvard Career Site: https://hr.harvard.edu/jobs
Please provide a cover letter with your application (resume) and upload it as one PDF document
About Campus Services
Campus Services is a multi-department organization within Harvard's Central Administration providing a wide range of non-academic services to the University community. We employ more than 1,600 employees, 66% of which are front-line service and trades workers. Our workforce is also quite diverse, with employees representing 20+ countries.
We service the university by supporting Campus Operations, supporting international students and programs, bringing the Harvard Community together and our Campus Services shared services. Learn more about Campus Services at: www.campusservices.harvard.edu
Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department at: https://accessibility.harvard.edu/
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on the date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability, and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on-campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Programs, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options are handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts, and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University Central Administration's commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging is rooted in our belief in drawing on the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity. Our community strives to uphold these beliefs by honoring the rights, differences, and dignity of others and embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We aim to foster a campus culture where everyone can thrive, a key to which is ensuring that each of us experiences a profound sense of inclusion and belonging. For more information, visit our page: https://hr.harvard.edu/diversity-inclusion-belonging
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.