Position Description

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University, founded in 2022, seeks to understand the basis of intelligence in natural and artificial systems.

The Kempner Institute is building a large and collaborative community of faculty, researchers, and students to pursue research in intelligence. To support this effort the Kempner has launched a broad set of programs working with several schools at Harvard.

The Assistant Director of Finance oversees a diverse range of financial activities. Reporting to the Kempner?s Executive Director, they are responsible for executing day-to-day financial management activities, leading the annual budgeting process, and leading financial planning, analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and administer all pieces of the annual and multi-year budget, including analysis of costs and revenues, and oversee the year-end closing process.
• Manage day-to-day financial and accounting activities including monitoring corporate card usage, payments to vendors, processing reimbursements, and journal entries among others.
• Ensure that all financial activities are timely, accurate, and are compliant with funding guidelines, University policies and procedures.
• Manage the accounting for all inter-institutional awards and payments, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines.
• Identify and resolve transaction classification issues to ensure proper alignment with chart of accounts and accurate reporting.
• Provide financial information for fundraising and sponsored research grant proposals.
• Provide quarterly reports to ensure accuracy of financial data and budget utilization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on financial questions. Provide financial analysis, models, and other resources to help support financial and strategic planning.
• Serve as the liaison between the Kempner Institute and Faculty, Departments, Schools and Provost?s office with respect to Kempner funded activities and awards.
• May supervise support staff in the execution of day-to-day financial activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years? relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced knowledge of budget management and reporting, financial analysis, and financial modeling; strong working knowledge of accounting principles required.
• Bachelor?s degree in accounting, finance, a related field, or significant work experience in these areas strongly preferred.
• Experience with Harvard systems, Chart of Accounts, and policies preferred but not required.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.

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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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 date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• 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 Program, 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 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 views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.

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