Accounting Assistant

The Accounting Assistant performs diverse and complex accounting, customer service, and office support duties and plays a key role in the daily administration and financial operations of Harvard Forest, Harvard University’s outdoor laboratory and classroom. This position manages purchasing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable for a year-round community of 40 researchers, staff, and students. They also interact with visitors, vendors, and Harvard University central offices. This person works closely with other members of the financial team (Financial Administrator, Grants Manager, and Senior Accounting Assistant) and has a great deal of independence in carrying out specific tasks and responsibilities. The position reports to the Financial Administrator.

• Coding and processing a high volume of financial transactions daily including:
  • Creation of purchase orders, payments to vendors, vendor set-up
  • University card transactions review and reconciliation
  • Purchasing and maintaining office supply inventory
  • Processing reimbursements
  • Receiving miscellaneous income via credit cards, wires, cash, or checks
  • Account reconciliation
• Maintains vendor relations and troubleshoots service and account issues
• Serves as key source of information for Harvard Forest staff on established financial policies and procedures, advises on existing options and alternatives, and assists in problem resolution
• Ensures careful filing of financial documents, reports and receipts
• Provides day-to-day assistance with general office tasks such as answering phones, mail and package handling, greeting visitors, event support and other miscellaneous duties as required

This position will initially be on-site in Petersham, MA five days a week; after a successful three-month orientation and review period, the Accounting Assistant would have the option to telework one day a week.

• High school degree and three or more years of related experience. Accounting courses beyond high school may count towards experience.
• Computer skills including word-processing, spreadsheet and database software knowledge and experience.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and shift smoothly between tasks
• Must be flexible, enthusiastic, and open to and energized by change
• Experience prioritizing and accomplishing tasks with minimal supervision, and creatively and independently solving problems that arise
• Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
• Customer service orientation
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion
• Interest in the research and educational mission of Harvard Forest
• Proficiency in Sharepoint/Dropbox/Google and file collaboration systems

Repetititve motion (typing) and lifting of filing boxes required

Office setting

The Harvard Forest Community

Harvard Forest is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We have a Code of Conduct that clearly outlines expected conduct for members of our community, unacceptable conduct, and pathways for support for those who experience or witness misconduct. We have initiated an ongoing series of staff-wide trainings and formed a standing committee to build competence in DEIB in our workplace, improved physical and digital accessibility of our campus resources, and re-examined and replaced harmful artwork. We are working toward including Indigenous knowledge and communities in our research and education, land use, and public programs, improving field safety for at-risk populations, and diversifying our team of investigators and educators. The aim of this work is to collectively support and implement our mission: the investigation, understanding, and communication of the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our Earth, while ensuring that all participants should feel that they are critical parts of the Harvard Forest community—whatever their identity groups. We welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visiting scholars from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission. Harvard Forest is also committed to supporting the work-life balance of its staff.

We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences (Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members) and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

COVID-19

The University requires all Harvard community members, including remote workers, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/

All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR.

• 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.