Harvard University
Higher Education
ComplianceSpecialist
“Compliance Specialist at Harvard University. Skills: sponsored research administration, audit coordination, compliance, financial oversight, federal regulations, Uniform Guidance. supports audit, compliance, and financial oversight activities within OSP, with a primary focus on sponsored research administration. coordinating and supporting sponsored audits and third-party reviews, including the Annual Single Audit”
What You'll Achieve.
ensuring the timely and accurate completion of audit deliverables; strengthening internal controls by assessing processes against federal regulations (including Uniform Guidance), identifying risks, and recommending improvements; promote audit readiness and consistent procedures; enhance efficiency and institutional preparedness
Industry & Context.
analytical; identifying risks; recommending improvements; Independent and professional judgment and prioritization
Ability to handle highly sensitive information with strict confidentiality, Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion and judgment, Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position., Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree required, 5 plus years of sponsored programs audit, financial management, and/or compliance related experience, Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations, Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance and Compliance Supplement
Nice to Have
verbal and written communication skills and experience, attention to detail with excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize work, Effectively communicates with clients, teammates, and managers to work toward common goals and deadlines, Ability to work on multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast paced, high-energy environment, Ability to work independently, Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion and judgment, Independent and professional judgment and prioritization, Customer service orientation with a collegial and collaborative approach to working with others across the University, Advanced relevant technical and software skills, including but not limited to the Microsoft Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc. )
What You'll Do.
and financial oversight activities within OSP
with a primary focus on sponsored research administration
coordinating and supporting sponsored audits and third-party reviews
including the Annual Single Audit
serves as a key liaison between OSP
Harvard schools and departments
and external auditors
manages audit timelines
facilitates information requests
and helps ensure the timely and accurate completion of audit deliverables
contributes to all phases of the audit lifecycle
evaluates departmental submissions for compliance and completeness
analyzes auditor inquiries
and drafts responses to findings
supports management responses
corrective action plans
and remediation tracking
strengthening internal controls by assessing processes against federal regulations (including Uniform Guidance)
and recommending improvements
monitoring regulatory updates
integrating changes into compliance practices
and maintaining audit tracking systems and documentation to support institutional readiness
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
key liaison between OSP, Harvard schools and departments, and external auditors; In collaboration with OSP leadership and school partners, the position supports management responses, corrective action plans, and remediation tracking; Advise colleagues and school administrators on University policies, sponsor requirements, and compliance best practices; Effectively communicates with clients, teammates, and managers to work toward common goals and deadlines; Customer service orientation with a collegial and collaborative approach to working with others across the University
Communication Scope
analytical; organizational; communication skills; verbal and written communication skills; Effectively communicates with clients, teammates, and managers
Process & Methodology
managing audit timelines, managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment, time management skills to prioritize work, Ability to work on multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast paced, high-energy environment
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