Accounting Operations Manager

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Healthcare coverage (medical, dental,,

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Retirement plans

Job summary

Harvard University seeks a seasoned accounting leader to manage accounting activities, provide specialized analysis, and deliver timely financial reporting. The role supervises staff, develops processes, and ensures compliance with university policies and GAAP.

The successful candidate will drive improvements in procedures, support audits, and partner with departments to meet financial objectives. Hybrid work with on-campus presence required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting activities and provide specialized analysis and financial reporting.
• Lead staff management including hiring, orientation, training, performance management and inclusion.
• Establish and monitor accounting processes to maintain controls.
• Ensure department financial reporting is accurate and timely.
• Identify operational challenges and research/implement solutions.
• May prepare tax documentation and financial statements.
• Ensure statements comply with University policies and GAAP.
• Collaborate on development of new accounting procedures.
• Prepare department for audits from internal and external firms.

Skills

Staff management

Accounting

Supervisory experience

Tax knowledge

Advanced Excel

Financial reporting

Financial systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

MBA or Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

Manage accounting activities, and provides specialized analysis and financial reporting.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Establish and monitor effective accounting processes and systems to maintain accounting controls
• Ensure department's accurate and timely financial reporting
• Identify operational challenges; research and implement solutions
• May prepare tax documentation and financial statements
• Ensure the school/unit financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles
• Collaborate on the development of new accounting procedures within school/unit that support University wide policies and initiatives
• Prepare department for annual and interim audits from internal and external firms/agencies
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulation

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring 1 day on campus (subject to change)

Physical Requirements:

Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations
• Demonstrated experience with Financial systems and data query tools

Certificates and Licenses:

CPA Desirable

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.