Social Sciences Financial Operations Manager

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience
• 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

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Master's degree in relevant field preferred
• CPA Desirable

Responsibilities

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

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: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree