Sciences Financial Operations Manager

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Insurance from day one

Retirement plans with university

Wellbeing resources

Professional development

Job summary

Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a Financial Operations Manager to lead a team handling finance, accounting, and budget operations across departments. You will supervise 10–15 associates, ensure policy compliance, and drive process improvements in collaboration with unit partners.

The role emphasizes coaching, cross-functional partnership, and delivering high-quality financial services to the university community. Hybrid work schedule and salary range discussed with HR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations.
• Experience with financial systems and data query tools.
• CPA desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 10–15 Finance Associates and Senior Finance Associates.
• Oversee core operational workflows and accounting transactions.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and sponsor regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations.
• Coach and mentor staff to enhance service delivery.
• Collaborate with department admins and faculty to steward university resources.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Advanced Excel

Accounting principles

Tax regulations

Financial systems

Data query tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

Buy2Pay

Concur

CPA desirable

Job description

Job Summary:

Manage finance, accounting, and budget or other functional operations such as accounts payable or receivable, payroll, procurement, capital projects, endowment funding, or sponsored/non-sponsored research.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Financial Operations Manager leads a team of approximately 10-15 Finance Associates and Senior Finance Associates responsible for delivering high-quality financial operations and customer service to academic departments and centers across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). Reporting to the Divisional Director of Finance, the Manager is responsible for supervising staff, ensuring consistent service delivery, maintaining compliance with university and sponsor policies, and driving continuous improvement in financial operations.

The Manager serves as a coach, mentor, and operational leader, helping staff navigate complex financial issues while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and exceptional customer service. The role partners closely with department administrators, center directors, faculty, and colleagues across the FAS Office of Finance to ensure the effective stewardship of university resources and to continuously improve financial processes and service delivery.

Leadership and Staff Management

Supervise and develop a team of finance associates and senior finance associates across the division

Responsible for hiring and onboarding, training and development, performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment

Manage task distribution and balance workload capacity across the team to maintain high service levels and equitable distribution of duties

Process Management and Continuous Improvement

Evaluate accounting processes and procedures and make recommendations to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

Lead the team through system updates, policy enhancements, and workflow transitions, ensuring smooth adoption and minimal operational disruption

In collaboration with unit finance partners, oversee core operational workflows and accounting transactions

Identify operational bottlenecks and work with finance team to establish standard operating procedures

Collaborate in the development of training materials and resources for key financial systems, such as Buy2Pay and Concur, to support effective use by non-finance staff and the broader university community

Governance and Compliance

Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures, audit and accounting disclosure requirements, and applicable legal rules and regulation

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required

Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Supervisory experience

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 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• 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 opp