Controller, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations

November 05, 2025

001793SR

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit:

Job Description

Job Summary:

Responsible for the strategic direction of accounting, budgeting and control activities. Enhance the control environment by establishing and monitoring effective processes and systems.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reports directly to the Associate Dean for Finance and works in close partnership with the Senior Director of Financial Planning and Administration to jointly oversee financial operations, general accounting & reporting, internal controls & monitoring. Overall direction and oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll costing and related payroll management. Regular interactions with faculty, senior staff, and staff members assigned to school departments, centers, and other organization components.

Duties

• Works with finance colleagues across the School and University to ensure high levels of customer service by providing professional, timely, and accurate financial services.
• Manages and develops staff responsible for accounts payable, payroll, chart of accounts, general accounting, quarterly & annual year-end accruals and closing.
• Responsible for effective staff management of direct and indirect reports, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment. Including the coaching, development and growth of junior managers.
• Develops, implements and monitors accounting internal control processes and procedures that ensure compliance with University and GSE.
• Ensures accurate and timely financial reporting and adherence to GAAP and University reporting requirements, including overseeing quarterly interim and annual close reporting activities in coordination with the Senior Director.
• Advises GSE financial leadership on financial matters including regulatory and compliance issues.
• Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, strategic plans, policies and operating procedures.
• Management & oversight of financial systems used by school employees (HART, OBI, B2P, Concur, GL-PCR etc.) Responsible for authorizing user security access to all financial systems. Establish protocols to ensure Departments and Units process financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner. Serves as resident expert in use of financial systems for the school.
• Oversee & coordinates/facilitates internal training of school personnel in use of financial systems, and collaborates with other departments and the Human Resources staff to develop and implement training where required.
• Guides and trains faculty and staff across the GSE regarding financial policies and procedures.
• Leverages reporting and process to routinely audit financial condition and provides information to internal and external auditors.
• Represents GSE as needed & directed through service on select university committees and working groups. May include activities related to the development of new financial systems and reporting capabilities requiring oversight of local implementation efforts.
• Oversight/monitoring responsibility for transactions against unrestricted school funds. Ensures accuracy and appropriateness of accounting data and transactions in accordance with sound accounting practices and school/university policies.
• Chart of Accounts administrator for the school, responsible for establishing new accounting segments, close out of accounting segments in coordination with other members of Finance.
• Coordinates and/or conducts internal audits to ensure the School remains in compliance with applicable policies & regulations.
• Assist Senior Director and Associate Dean as needed with preparation and analysis of annual budget submission for the school. Requires an in-depth understanding of departmental financial structures and budgetary requirements to aid in the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of core budget areas.
• Oversee and coordinate maintenance of the office's web-site and intranet presence.
• Identify potential operational challenges and propose solutions.
• Performs ad hoc financial analyses and work on special projects as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience
• Any Candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume. Please upload both as one document.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Master's Degree (MBA, Finance, Accounting, or similar) and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) highly desirable but not required.

• Advanced knowledge of general accounting and compliance issues.
• Direct experience in University accounting and reporting preferred.
• Direct experience with Oracle and PeopleSoft systems preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, customer service and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate staff to excel.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal/written communication skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing workloads and workplace demands.
• Demonstrated analytical and forecasting skills.
• Proficiency with MS Excel and MS Office suite.
• Willingness and ability to learn new applications and automated financial systems required.
• Auditing experience.
• Advanced skills in MS Excel.
• Understanding of GAAP reporting and regulatory requirements with knowledge of how these relate to a higher education environment preferred.
• Strong quantitative and financial reporting skills, and expertise in data extraction, analysis, and report presentation.
• Ability to effectively communicate at all levels and with multiple constituents and to deliver difficult messages with tact and diplomacy.
• Organized, flexible and able to manage multiple, challenging projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work setting.
• Customer service orientation, with emphasis on collaboration and creative problem solving while balancing the need for internal control.

Certificates and Licenses:

• CPA Preferred

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.