Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist

The Campus Services Finance & Administration Department (CSFA) provides accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and planning, taxes and financial administrative support services to the Campus Services business units and the customers they serve.  The organization is comprised of two main functions: Controller’s Office (Accounting Operations) and Financial Planning and Analysis. As a vital member of the CSFA team, the Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist reports to the Operational Accounting & Systems Manager and contributes significantly to the execution of financial and accounting operations within the CS Operating Unit. This role is primarily responsible for supporting accounting functions, implementing efficient processes leveraging technology and automation, and maintaining robust internal control. The Senior Accounting & Systems Specialist collaborates with a team of professionals, handling day-to-day responsibilities such as Campus Services operational accounting, billing and accounts receivable, and reconciliation, while proactively driving process enhancements. They uphold and continuously improve internal controls and ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University and CS-specific accounting and financial policies, and applicable federal and state regulations. This position emphasizes independence, critical analysis, strong communication, technical accounting system skill, and innovative problem-solving to ensure operational excellence and compliance in all aspects of accounting. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Technology & Automation  • Under the direction of the Operational Accounting & Systems Manager, serves as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., Yardi, etc..), collaborating with IT, business units, and colleagues to optimize utilization, identify and resolve system accounting issues. • Leverage technology and automation to drive enhancements in accounting processes and strengthen internal controls by proactively identifying automation opportunities, mapping and improving workflows, providing accounting and process requirements for technical solutions, and participating in system integrations. • Participates in User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating closely with business units, HUIT, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, resolve technology-related issues, and ensure seamless process optimization and adoption. Accounting & Internal Control • Serves as an expert accounting resource for CSFA colleagues and Campus Services Business Units, providing guidance and training on accounting policies, internal control procedures, and financial systems; develop and write job aids as needed to enhance team expertise.  • Act as the lead contact for Harvard University Housing and Real Estate in his/her area of accounting responsibilities. • Propose and implement improvements in accounting operations and financial reporting, collaborating with CSFA colleagues, Campus Services Business Units, and leadership while ensuring compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and best practices. Actively contribute to a process improvement subcommittee. • Use critical thinking to prepare, approve, and review journal entries in accordance with Campus Services and University policies and key controls, ensuring all entries meet accuracy, documentation, and reperformance standards.  • Perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closings independently, applying critical thinking and professional skepticism to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established deadlines and standards, leveraging off of automation and using critical thinking to independently resolve exceptions. • Ensure all aspects of the