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Harvard University · 6 hours ago

Senior Accounting Manager

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Harvard University is a vibrant community dedicated to advancing its world-changing mission. The Senior Accounting Manager plays a key role in overseeing accounting teams and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, while driving process improvements and collaborating with various university partners.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Actively leads and is responsible for a team of operational and financial 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

Serves as an accounting subject matter expert on key financial systems (e.g., Yardi), partnering with IT 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

Develops and executes technology and automation strategies to enhance accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and support system integrations and workflow improvements

Provides strategic leadership for User Acceptance Testing and system implementations, collaborating with CS HUIT and business units to resolve issues, mitigate risk, and ensure effective adoption and ongoing optimization

Oversees complex accounting matters and analysis, conducting independent research and developing practical solutions, while collaborating with key stakeholders across the university and coaching employees to independently perform similar analysis and problem-solving

Manages 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

Oversees daily transactional activities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with policies and internal controls, while maintaining responsive, high-quality customer service

Directs fixed asset accounting, including capitalization guidance, impairment and disposals, monthly accounting, and the bi-annual physical inventory

Oversees the completion of Campus Services–wide accounting deliverables, designing and implementing complex templates as needed to support accurate and efficient reporting

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 university-wide finance partners 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 and translating insights into actionable strategies for leadership

Qualification

CPAReal estate accountingGAAPYardiFinancial analysisData managementSystems implementationMicrosoft Office SuiteCoachingLeadershipCommunication skillsProblem solving

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required

Minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience

Supervisory experience

Experience in real estate accounting required

Proven ability to quickly analyze and resolve complex accounting issues

Strong working knowledge of GAAP

Robust command of enterprise resource planning and financial and operational systems including Yardi

Demonstrated experience in data management, systems implementation, financial analysis, and business process redesign

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