Staff Accountant

Assist in policy development and leads design and execute procedures for HG’s financial and payroll systems, which are separate from but integrated with Harvard University systems, and ensure that they work effectively Reporting to the Harvard Global Finance Manager, this position is responsible for performing multiple diverse and complex U.S. and international accounting and financial management duties for Harvard Global (HG) and its branches and subsidiaries in various countries. and compliantly in multiple jurisdictions. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of two general ledgers (Harvard University Tub 620 and outsourced multi-currency general ledger), including compliance with U.S. and foreign accounting standards. Provide ongoing complex accounting, payment, and billing activities as described below, including intercompany and multi-currency transactions. Manage outsourced vendors for payroll, accounting and financial transaction workflow. Implement, maintain and monitor system interfaces, internal controls and compliance structures. Perform financial reporting and analysis. Provide customer service to school clients and field offices and problem-solve issues as they arise.   Provide consistently excellent service to school clients, field offices and stakeholders, support HG’s and Harvard’s values, and ensure compliance with U.S. and host-country regulations.
Collaborate with Global Support Services staff and lead or participate in a range of project teams. Work closely with School clients and stakeholders and with a wide variety of University offices.
This Cambridge-based position is employed by Harvard Global Research and Support Services, Inc., an affiliate of Harvard University, and is eligible for Harvard University benefits.

1. Perform complex monthly general ledger close outs for HG including the consolidation of HG entities, foreign currency conversions and intercompany eliminations.
2. Manage U.S. and international payrolls, including monthly review, processing, and reconciliation.
3. Oversee monthly service contract billings and collections including the complex accounting of all intercompany transactions between HG and Harvard University. Because HG maintains a general ledger and bank accounts separate from Harvard University, these transactions present greater risk and require an advanced understanding of accounting principles.
4. Oversee all grant accounting for Harvard Global while coordinating the activity with school departments
5. Establish and manage accounting record-keeping systems and procedures for Harvard Global.
6. Assist with annual audits of Harvard Global entities
7. Review and produce financial data providing research and data analysis to present for use in planning and decision making. This includes ad hoc financial reporting and data queries.
8. Prepare all quarterly financial schedules for Harvard University Central Finance.
9. Primary contact with Harvard Global’s outsourced accounts payable third-party administrators and Harvard Global clients on a day to day basis. Oversee and may assist with processing invoices, vendor payments and problem resolution.
10. Prepare and oversee the posting of all journal entries for accounts payable, payroll, billings, cash transactions, accruals and cost transfers.
11. Oversee and in some cases prepares Harvard Global bank reconciliations.
12. Train clients and colleagues on business processes and systems. 
13. Lead the design and implementation of new business processes to meet the changing needs of Harvard Global and its clients.
14. Work closely with the tax department in preparing the annual 990 tax return

Administration
• Build and maintain an excellent reputation for HG services and infrastructure through regular outreach, responsiveness to client needs, and efficient and effective services.
• Establishes and manages accounting record systems, and procedures for tracking and reporting, including recommending remedial measures.
• Regularly evaluate and address costs, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor key performance indicators with third party administrators and clients.
• Assists as needed with Harvard Global correspondence and office management.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a preference to having an accounting qualification and at least five years’ experience in accounting, finance, billings or related fields, including some international finance experience.  Experience in an academic environment preferred.  Must have advanced knowledge of internal controls and automated accounting systems.  Must exhibit excellent communication and team interaction skills.  Strong attention to detail along with consistent exercise of discretion, independent judgment and initiative required.  Must demonstrate proficiency with MS Office and the ability to learn and utilize numerous accounting systems. Experience with Harvard University’s general ledger is preferred.  Knowledge and experience of accounting in multiple currencies with international consolidations is a plus.

Strong customer service orientation. Exceptional ability to bridge gaps and problem-solve to reach flexible operational solutions that address the needs of diverse stakeholders. Must be able to communicate clearly, effectively and persuasively and form productive alliances with faculty and administrators at all levels of the organization. Strong organizational, project management, and reporting skills. Must be able to balance conflicting priorities. Highly motivated. Experience handling confidential information with discretion. Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Visio. Foreign language proficiency a plus.

About Harvard Global and Harvard University
Harvard Global Research and Support Services, Inc., (“Harvard Global” or “HG”) is an affiliate of Harvard University which, directly or through host-country subsidiaries, administers overseas operations and employs overseas staff on behalf of University departments.  HG also receives certain sponsored grants with unusual terms new operating entity that will support Harvard University by administering overseas operations, as well as a small number of sponsored projects.  “Harvard Global”, the informal name for this entity and its branches and subsidiaries and associated infrastructure, is expected to establish an expatriate payroll in 2013 and to organize and manage host-country branches or subsidiaries in several countries, as part of an effort to provide a more HG’s mission is to provide a cohesive and comprehensive administrative backbone for Harvard faculty and staff working abroad. The HG group currently operates in Dubai, India, South Africa, Tunisia and the UK with additional limited employment in over fourteen countries.
Harvard Global is affiliated with Global Support Services (GSS), a department of Campus Services at Harvard University, which provides operational guidance and tools to support Harvard’s international projects and travelers.

Harvard University consists of Harvard College (for undergraduates), eleven graduate and professional schools, a Division of Continuing Education, the Radcliffe Institute, and the Central Administration. Students, faculty, and staff in each School engage in a wide range of international pursuits, including study abroad, research projects, internships, performance tours, cultural enrichment, conferences, and business travel, covering more than 160 countries. The University presently has a long-term presence in about 20 countries (covering seven continents) and growing.