Operational Accounting & Systems Manager

Job Description

The Operational Accounting & Systems Manager reports to the Associate Director of Accounting and is a key member of the CSFA management team. This role directs, coaches, and provides hands-on guidance to the accounting team responsible for operational real estate accounting. The Operational Accounting & Systems Manager ensures strong internal controls and full compliance with GAAP, University and Campus Services accounting policies and applicable laws and regulations.

The role is also responsible for driving process improvement and efficiency through effective use of technology and automation. Success in this position requires strong leadership, independent judgment, critical analysis, clear communication, advanced technical accounting systems skills, and innovative problem solving. The Operational Accounting & Systems Manager successfully collaborates with a wide range of university partners, including (but not limited to) Harvard University Housing & Real Estate, CS Finance & Administration colleagues, and Information Technology, to address accounting, process, and system issues and align stakeholders.

This is a player–coach role: the manager will both lead the team and personally execute key deliverables.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Talent Strategy & Development

• Actively leads and is responsible for a team of operational accounting professionals, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, workload allocation, engagement, and ongoing coaching and feedback to ensure high-quality work, strong customer service, and an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
• Champions employee development by identifying skills gaps, creating targeted learning opportunities, and providing ongoing coaching and mentorship to build technical, analytical, and leadership capabilities across the team.

Accounting Technology Strategy & Automation

• Serves as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., Yardi), partnering with the Associate Director of Accounting, CS HUIT, and business units to shape system strategy, optimize functionality, and resolve system-related accounting issues, while coaching team members to build redundancy and deepen cross-functional expertise.
• Under the direction of the Associate Director of Accounting, manages technology and automation strategies to enhance accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and support system integrations and workflow improvements.
• Provides leadership for User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating with the Associate Director of Accounting, CS HUIT, and business units to resolve issues, mitigate risk, and ensure effective adoption and ongoing optimization.

Operational Accounting, Controls, & Process Improvement

• Manages and actively participates in the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for a large, diverse real estate portfolio with significant assets and liabilities using a combination of University and Campus Services financial systems.
• Manages and independently performs complex accounting reconciliations and analysis, ensuring appropriate documentation, identifying variances, reconciling balances, and resolving accounting issues.
• Ensures that all aspects of the billing cycle are performed timely and accurately, closely collaborating with Campus Services and other university colleagues to achieve this goal. 
• Oversees and contributes to daily accounting activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with policies and internal controls, while maintaining responsive, high-quality customer service.
• Manages the journal entry process for operational accounting reviewing journal entries. Prepares and processes journal entries, as needed.
• Ensures compliance with university internal controls by developing, reviewing, testing, and maintaining Campus Services accounting policies, processes, and procedures—including the integration of business applications with university enterprise systems—and collaborates with colleagues to continuously improve accounting practices and compliance with audit, disclosure, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyzes and interprets financial and accounting information, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.

Customer Service

• Ensure that timely, accurate, and professional customer service is provided to customers and the University community.
• Develop and maintain productive partnerships with colleagues and customers within the Harvard community.

Working Conditions

Remote Work: This position is expected to have an on-campus presence an average of approximately 2 days per week to promote face-to-face interaction with team members and clients.  Any remote work should be performed in Massachusetts or in compliance with Harvard’s Out of State Employment Policy.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Progressive accounting and finance experience with a significant focus on real estate.
• Experience in real estate accounting, preferred. 
• Relevant experience in Property Management Company, REIT, or large, diverse institution with substantial real estate portfolio, preferred.
• Proven ability to quickly analyze and resolve complex accounting and system issues.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP.
• Robust command of financial and operational systems including Yardi. 
• Demonstrated experience in data management, systems implementation, financial analysis, and business process redesign.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking skills, including analyzing complex information, identifying patterns and issues, and proposing practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
• People-first, coaching-oriented, and collaborative leader with strong communication and interpersonal skills who listens actively, builds rapport at all levels, demonstrates genuine care for employee well-being and work–life balance, provides clear feedback and direction, involves staff in decision-making where appropriate, empowers and delegates effectively, addresses performance and operational challenges proactively, and supports employee growth through ongoing coaching, development opportunities, and a focus on purpose and career progression.
• A proven leader of change and innovation.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 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  
  • Education  
  • Drug Testing  
  • Criminal  
  • References 
  • Credit

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 058. 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.

Salary Grade: 058