Financial Analyst

Job Summary:

The Financial Analyst plays a vital role in enabling the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) to reach thousands of educators annually with the highest-quality professional programs in education (PPE). Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Financial Analyst has primary responsibility for developing, projecting, and reporting on budgets and financial plans, for both the department and its individual programs, representing $15 million revenue. As a key player in PPE, the Financial Analyst partners closely with leaders throughout the organization to analyze financial performance and identify opportunities to enhance PPE’s services. The Financial Analyst is a key advisor to financial and organizational strategy, acting with independent initiative and on the Director of Finance’s behalf as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Department Reporting and Projections: Closely monitor and analyze department operating results,  prepare monthly reports and projections, forecast future financial scenarios, identify funding shortfalls and recommend alternative spending plans.  Prepare presentations for PPE and GSE leadership teams.

• Department Budgeting and Multi-Year Financial Planning: Serve as partner to the Director of Finance and other department leadership in developing annual operating budgets and multi-year financial plan. Prepare initial templates and instructions for budget holders, consolidate inputs,  and manage alternative scenarios proposed by multiple senior stakeholders. Participate in the annual multi-year financial plan.

• Program Budgeting and Analysis: Work closely with Portfolio Directors and unit leaders to develop programs’ operating budgets, project financial outcomes, and analyze and evaluate financial results, including significant variances and trends.  Develop materials and train budget managers to ensure optimal fiscal planning and financial compliance with PPE and HGSE policies and procedures.

• Pricing: Partner with the Portfolio Directors and the Directors of Marketing, Engagement, and Finance to analyze and recommend pricing for open enrollment programs.  Analyze and evaluate custom program opportunities to recommend pricing and contribute to proposals.

• Custom Programs: Manage the financials of custom programs including billing, collection, posting G/L transactions, and reporting. Participate in the review of and execution (closeout) of contracts.

• Financial Operations: Collaborate closely with Finance Manager and support financial operations as needed, including AR, AP, hiring and compensation, reconciliations, journal entries, month end closing and year end closing.

• Special Projects: Conduct analyses to respond to ad-hoc queries and strategic requests. 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting