Finance Lead, Graduate Education & Programs

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans with university"s

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Job summary

Harvard University’s Office for Graduate Education seeks a Manager of Financial Planning and Operations to oversee budget development, reporting, and day-to-day financial administration for HMS graduate programs. You will partner with program leadership and HMS Finance to ensure strategy-aligned spending and strong internal controls.

The role requires 5+ years in finance, an MBA or related master’s, and expertise in Concur, Buy2Pay, and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of advanced financial administration principles.
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial contact for assigned master's and PhD programs.
• Develop annual operating budgets in partnership with program leadership.
• Maintain detailed program budget workbooks and financial forecasts.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for program leadership.
• Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee day-to-day financial administration of assigned program portfolios.
• Review and approve journal entries, cost transfers, and other financial adjustments.
• Coordinate fiscal year-end close activities.
• Provide ongoing financial consultation to program leadership.
• Lead improvements to budgeting, reconciliation, and financial reporting processes.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Microsoft Office

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

Concur

Buy2Pay

General ledger/ERP

Job description

Harvard University’s Office for Graduate Education seeks a Manager of Financial Planning and Operations to oversee budget development, reporting, and day-to-day financial administration for HMS graduate programs. You will partner with program leadership and HMS Finance to ensure strategy-aligned spending and strong internal controls.

The role requires 5+ years in finance, an MBA or related master’s, and expertise in Concur, Buy2Pay, and ERP systems.