Manager, Research Finance Operations

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.

Other Managerial duties may be assigned, including, but not limited to, assisting in implementing new tools/technologies, developing ad hoc reports using OAS, acting as a representative for Research Finance to other schools or clients, providing coverage for peer Managers when necessary, and assist with setting strategic goals and developing process improvements for Research Finance.

Basic Qualifications:

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

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:

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. (prioritized in order of importance)

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, …