School or Unit: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Description: Position Description
The Manager of Financial Operations, a key member of the SEAS Office of Finance, 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, driving 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.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
Oversee the Financial Operations functions at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), including overall procurement and reimbursement processes, card management and PCI compliance. Perform associated controls.
Review contracts, approve P.O.s 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 schoolDevelop and execute a strategic plan to monitor the application of university-wide and SEAS key internal controls for processes related to procurement, reimbursements, pcard /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.
Provide analytical metrics to senior management to assist in the development of strategic plans for the school.
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 (currently 3 Financial Associates and 2 Procurement Specialists), 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.
Other Ad Hoc projects/duties as assigned.
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 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.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting.
Additional Information
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
About Us
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard's teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are: educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-CB1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Allston
Job Code: F0858M Financial Admin Ops Mgt IV
Job Function: Finance
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
SEAS Commitment to Diversity SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
