Social Sciences Financial Operations Manager

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 Working Conditions:   Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days on campus Physical Requirements:   Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time. 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 effective