Operational Accounting & Systems Lead (Hybrid/Remote)

Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University seeks an Operational Accounting & Systems Manager within Campus Services Finance & Administration. This player-coach role directs the accounting team responsible for operational real-estate accounting, ensuring strong internal controls, GAAP compliance, and system-enabled process improvements.

The role collaborates with multiple university partners and leads automation efforts while personally delivering key deliverables.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational accounting team and provide hands-on coaching to ensure high-quality work and strong customer service.
• Drive employee development by identifying skills gaps and providing targeted learning opportunities.
• Serve as accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., Yardi) and shape system strategy.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close for a large real-estate portfolio with GAAP compliance.
• Oversee journal entries, reconciliations, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and timely reporting.
• Ensure timely billing and collaboration with university colleagues to meet goals.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Excel proficiency

Coaching staff

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Yardi

Job description

Harvard University seeks an Operational Accounting & Systems Manager within Campus Services Finance & Administration. This player-coach role directs the accounting team responsible for operational real-estate accounting, ensuring strong internal controls, GAAP compliance, and system-enabled process improvements.

The role collaborates with multiple university partners and leads automation efforts while personally delivering key deliverables.