Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller is essential in overseeing the integrity and efficiency of financial operations in HUIT. This role will lead the Finance Operations and Accounting team and collaborate closely with the COO, the Director of IT Financial Strategy and Planning, and HUIT senior management to support strategic decision-making. The Controller will manage financial reporting, billing, accounting practices, and operational control activities within HUIT, including tax, insurance, and compliance with governmental regulations. Additionally, this position is responsible for ensuring adherence to financial regulations and standards and implementing procedures, processes, and systems to enhance the control environment in the organization.
Core Duties
Leadership and Staff Management
Responsible for control activities within HUIT, including accounting, billing, and reporting.
Direct and provide strong leadership to the areas reporting to the Controller, including Accounting, Billing, Procurement, Travel Reimbursement, and Audit and Compliance.
Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and onboarding, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
Supervise, mentor, and develop the staff into a collaborative team whose focus is on serving internal and external customers.
Create a best-practice driven organization and improve process efficiency.
Lead and promote a customer service environment in the Controller’s area by providing service to multiple constituents.
Advise leadership on all aspects of financial matters including regulatory and compliance issues. Analyze and interpret trends requiring senior leadership’s attention.
Reporting and Analysis
Ensure HUIT’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Ensure the accuracy, integrity, timeliness and security of HUIT’s financial records and accounting.
Collaborate with the Financial Planning and Analysis team on creating a monthly senior management report and overseeing the creation and dissemination of other internal periodic reports. Including a thorough presentation of findings and specific recommendations.
Financial and Operational Policies
Maintain a strong internal control environment by ensuring compliance with existing HUIT and University-wide policies, and by developing/collaborating on new HUIT and University-wide policies and procedures.
Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulations.
Create mechanisms for disseminating and training the HUIT community on policies and procedures.
Accounting Function and Procedures
Understand and direct the maintenance of Harvard and HUIT’s chart of accounts and oversee the provision of authorized access to chart values.
Oversee and manage the process for creating, reviewing, and approving journal entries.
Oversee and manage the financial month-end and year-end close process and deadlines.
Ensure HUIT is prepared for annual and interim audits from internal and external professional firms/agencies. Coordinates interactions with external auditors.
Respond to the Central Administration for information related to the Controller’s area and perform quarterly flux analyses.
Own HUIT billing operations for fee-for-service offerings, including systems and customer rate development and oversees the procurement process, from policy to shopping to approving to audit, for the HUIT organization.
Additional Information
Please provide a cover letter with your application.
Please note:
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.?
We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.?
This position has a 180-day 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.
Accessibility: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.
Work Format Details
HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a Partially on-site position?(on campus 1-2 per week). ?While this position is partially on-site,?additional travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work. Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
