Associate Dean of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

26d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Associate Dean for Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Radcliffe Institute’s senior leadership team. The CFO provides vision and direction for the Institute’s overall financial strategy, safeguards its long-term financial sustainability, and advances efficient, effective financial operations in support of Radcliffe’s mission and strategic goals.
The Associate Dean for Finance/CFO serves as a principal advisor on strategic planning, long-range financial planning, fundraising, and risk management, and represents the Institute on University-wide committees and working groups. The CFO is accountable for delivering high-quality financial services; producing accurate, timely financial reporting; and ensuring compliance with University policies, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations, while upholding the highest standards of accuracy, responsiveness, efficiency, and professionalism.
As a strategic business partner and trusted thought-partner to the Executive Dean and senior leadership team, the Associate Dean for Finance/CFO plays a critical role in aligning resources with institutional priorities, strengthening decision-making through data-informed analysis, and enhancing operational effectiveness to support the Institute’s continued growth and impact.

Requirements

• Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, and/or financial analysis, including significant administrative responsibility and staff supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in management and fiscal oversight, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and developing operational metrics that align organizational strategy with business operations.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of multiple funding sources, including gifts, endowments, and restricted fund accounting principles (preferred).
• Experience in an institution of higher education is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Institute’s long-range financial strategy and multi-year financial plans.
• Translate institutional priorities into clear financial models, scenarios, and trade-offs to inform decision-making.
• Advise senior leadership on resource allocation, investment strategies, and financial risks.
• Lead financial analysis to inform decisions about starting, scaling, reshaping, or sunsetting programs and initiatives.
• Ensure financial considerations are integrated into program, workforce, facilities, and capital planning.
• Represent Radcliffe on University committees, collaborating with other financial leaders and the University’s Vice President for Finance and CFO on institution-wide policies.
• Hold direct accountability for the financial health and integrity of the Radcliffe Institute.
• Oversee annual and multi-year budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
• Establish and maintain fiscal policies, internal controls, and spending guidelines that promote transparency, consistency, and accountability.
• Monitor financial performance and identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Harvard University financial policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Oversee financial operations, including payroll, general accounting, fixed assets, and quarterly and year-end closings.
• Oversee financial systems, tools, and processes used for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of financial data across the Institute.
• Advance the use of analytics and financial modeling to support scenario planning and strategic decision-making.
• Improve the clarity and usability of financial reporting for non-financial leaders and stakeholders.
• Lead capital project planning and financing in collaboration with the Executive Dean, Director of Facilities Management, and facilities staff; determine priorities and monitor progress of major capital projects.
• Oversee the review and approval process for sponsored research activity, including sponsored budgets, financial control systems, financial reporting to external funding agencies, and liaison with the Office for Sponsored Programs.
• Coordinate the use of funds in operations, ensuring compliance with terms and successful completion of audits.
• Partner with External Relations to develop policies and systems that support effective financial information flow between units.
• Partner with External Relations to develop gift opportunities aligned with long-range financial plans and Institute priorities.
• Partner with External Relations to review the financial implications of fundraising proposals and donor gift terms.
• Partner with External Relations to ensure proper stewardship and use of donor funds.
• Supervise a finance office of six staff members, including two direct reports and four indirect reports, with responsibility for hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, and performance management.
• Oversee the development and delivery of financial training on University administrative systems, policies, and procedures for Radcliffe staff.
• Maintain a strong, service-oriented finance organization characterized by high standards of accuracy, responsiveness, quality, efficiency, and professionalism.

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 opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive