Manager of Financial Operations

Job Summary: Lead financial operations and planning for the department/unit that may include payroll, accounting, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, capital projects, endowment funding, research administration, or other function.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Manager of Financial Operations, a key member of the Office of Finance at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), 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, leading and implementing 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. The Manager of Financial Operations partners closely with groups across SEAS including the Faculty Administration and Research Administration teams.
Job Specific Responsibilities:
Oversee the Financial Operations functions at SEAS, including overall procurement and reimbursement processes, card management, system access requests, PCI compliance; and team oversight and management. Perform associated controls.
Review contracts and approve purchase orders, 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 school. Monitor the application of university-wide and SEAS key internal controls for processes related to procurement, reimbursements, PCard and 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.
Partner closely with Faculty Administration and Research Administration leadership on collaborative team efforts and decision-making.
Advance policy and procedure improvements and efficiencies, working with partner teams and key stakeholders.
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, 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.
Represent SEAS in University working groups, initiatives and other projects as needed.
Other Ad Hoc projects/duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting. This position currently requires on-campus work one to two days per week, which is subject to change.
Physical Requirements:
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 AI tools and 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.
Certificates and Licenses:

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid