Manager of Financial Operations

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance from day one

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) invites a seasoned Finance Operations Manager to lead the department’s financial operations, planning, payroll, and related services.

Reporting to the Controller, you will drive process improvements, ensure compliance with university guidelines, and partner with cross-unit teams to deliver accurate, timely financial support to faculty, researchers, and students. This on-campus role requires 35 hours weekly.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee SEAS financial operations, procurement, and reimbursements.
• Review contracts and approve purchase orders with stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain internal financial controls and policies.
• Lead team in adopting technology solutions, including AI.
• Collaborate with Faculty Administration and Research Administration.
• Provide regular updates through meetings and newsletters.

Skills

People management

Supervisory experience

Financial systems

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial software

Job description

Company 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 John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary:Lead financial operations and planning for the department/unit that may include payroll, accounting, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, capital projects, endowment funding, research administration, or other function.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Manager of Financial Operations, a key member of the Office of Finance at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), reports to the Controller and oversees the financial operations of the school. In collaboration with the Controller, this role is essential in developing and maintaining best practices for financial operations, leading and implementing process improvements, and ensuring the delivery of professional, timely, and accurate financial services to the community. The Manager of Financial Operations seeks to leverage technology solutions wherever possible to enhance service quality and efficiency. The Manager of Financial Operations partners closely with groups across SEAS including the Faculty Administration and Research Administration teams.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Financial Operations functions at SEAS, including overall procurement and reimbursement processes, card management, system access requests, PCI compliance; and team oversight and management. Perform associated controls.

• Review contracts and approve purchase orders, while working closely with stakeholders in departments and Harvard’s Office of General Counsel and Strategic Procurement.

• Oversee the content, design, and management of the internal website for financial operations.

• Support the Controller in maintaining a strong internal control environment at the school. Monitor the application of university-wide and SEAS key internal controls for processes related to procurement, reimbursements, PCard and corporate card payments, travel authorizations, and payment requests, to ensure compliance with SEAS-specific and University-wide financial guidelines, policies and procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations.

• Partner with the Controller to oversee team’s review of SEAS procurement practices, identify operational challenges within the school’s financial operations functions, and develop recommendations that are designed to support the operational needs of the SEAS community.

• Partner closely with Faculty Administration and Research Administration leadership on collaborative team efforts and decision-making.

• Advance policy and procedure improvements and efficiencies, working with partner teams and key stakeholders.

• Initiate and collaborate on adopting innovation practices and leveraging technology solutions (like Generative AI) to meet growing business needs.

• Supervise and develop the Financial Operations Team, fostering a strong, motivated, and cross-trained team focused on delivering high-quality customer service. Lead and promote a responsive, collaborative customer service environment within the Controller’s area, ensuring professional, timely, and accurate support for both internal and external constituents, including faculty, staff, researchers, and students.

• Support the Controller by serving as a key liaison to SEAS departments and collaborating with Research, Faculty Support and other leadership on business needs.

• Lead SEAS in planning and implementing the University’s financial processes, systems, and policies. Act as the primary SEAS liaison with university-level working groups, driving change management efforts for SEAS users. Provide regular updates on project progress through monthly Finance/Area meetings, newsletters, emails, and other community forums. Partner with Controller on the establishment of operational policies, procedures, and training opportunities for new and existing staff within the SEAS community.

• Represent SEAS in University working groups, initiatives and other projects as needed.

• Other Ad Hoc projects/duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting. This position currently requires on-campus work one to two days per week, which is subject to change.

Physical Requirements:

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong people management skills, including performance management and staff development.

• Demonstrated ability to supervise and motivate staff on a day-to-day basis and inspire a high level of commitment and performance.

• Advance degree (MBA or MS) and experience working within a nonprofit industry preferred.

• Collaborative work style with excellent consultative skills and ability to build strong work relationships at all levels.

• Demonstrated process management skills, including process development, documentation and communication.

• Experience supervising in a customer service environment preferred.

• Knowledge of the monitoring and audit functions relating to compliance with systems of internal control.

• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools.

• Knowledge of AI tools and Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.

• Knowledge of advanced financial operations principles.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to collaborate tactfully with unit staff and handle confidential information with discretion.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

• Ability to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously.

Certificates and Licenses:

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule:35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information:Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening:Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
• Other Information:

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.