Manager of Financial Planning and Operations

The Manager of Financial Planning and Operations manages the day-to-day financial operations of HMS Graduate Education (OGE) and serves as the primary financial partner for OGE's master's and PhD programs. Reporting to the Director of Financial Operations, the Manager is responsible for annual budget development, ongoing budget administration, financial reporting, reconciliations, transaction review, and operational financial management across OGE.
The Manager supervises the Finance Coordinator and oversees transactional financial activities including purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, travel and expense processing, and financial approvals. The position serves as the primary financial contact for program leadership, meeting regularly with academic and administrative leaders to monitor budgets, resolve financial issues, and ensure effective stewardship of program resources. Working closely with the Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs and Associate Director of Student Funding, the Manager ensures coordinated financial services across OGE while maintaining strong internal controls and exceptional customer service.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Budget Administration and Program Financial Management:
Serve as the primary financial contact for assigned master's and PhD programs.
Meet regularly with Faculty Directors and Program administrators to review budgets, financial performance, and spending plans.
Develop annual operating budgets in partnership with program leadership.
Maintain detailed program budget workbooks and financial forecasts. Monitor budgets throughout the fiscal year and identify emerging financial issues.
Prepare monthly financial reports for program leadership.
Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
Coordinate budget revisions and reallocations.
Assist programs with financial planning related to enrollment, staffing, and program activities.
Support fiscal year-end planning and budget closeout activities.
Financial Operations:
Oversee the day-to-day financial administration of assigned program portfolios.
Review and approve journal entries, cost transfers, and other financial adjustments.
Review and approve Concur expense reports and corporate card transactions.
Review Buy2Pay purchasing transactions and supplier invoices.
Monitor account activity and resolve accounting discrepancies.
Complete monthly reconciliations and ensure accurate financial reporting.
Review payroll allocations and monitor financial commitments.
Coordinate fiscal year-end close activities.
Work with HMS Finance to resolve accounting issues.
Ensure compliance with University financial policies and procedures.
Supervision and Operational Leadership:
Supervise the Finance Coordinator.
Assign daily work and establish operational priorities.
Review work quality and ensure timely completion of financial transactions.
Develop operational procedures and workflow improvements.
Coach and develop staff.
Monitor standards and resolve escalated issues.
Program Support and Consultation:
Provide ongoing financial consultation to program leadership. Interpret Harvard financial policies and procedures.
Assist programs with purchasing, budgeting, and financial questions. Develop financial reports and analyses that support operational decision-making.
Train program staff on University financial systems and local procedures.
Partner with the Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs and Associate Director of Student Funding to coordinate financial activities affecting OGE.
Process Improvement:
Lead improvements to budgeting, reconciliation, and financial reporting processes.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
Recommend enhancements to financial systems and reporting tools.
Participate in implementation of new financial technologies.
Support special financial projects.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills
Knowledge of advanced financial administration principles
Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid