Senior Director of Finance

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Why join the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) ?

The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) shapes the future of education by pursuing new ways to build the competence, curiosity, and confidence of learners around the world. We create engaging and scalable learning experiences, cultivate inspiring ideas, and connect a global community of learners—while developing tools, technologies, platforms, and policies to reduce friction throughout the learning lifecycle.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director of Finance will be responsible for the overall financial health, planning and management of the organization by providing financial projections, managing all accounting-related services, budgets, and financial reports, and directing staff. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Senior Director of Finance will work with leadership cross-functionally on creating annual financial plans, aligning financial plans with strategic objectives, establishing reliable projections, defining, measuring, and communicating key benchmarks, supporting financial review meetings, and being involved in discussions of other ad hoc projects. This role is responsible for the accounting and financial systems and processes of a new university-wide catalog, registration, and payment system (CRP), which serves as the e-commerce, CRM, and administrative system to support VPAL’s online learning delivery platforms.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Oversee VPAL budget and accounting functions as a responsible financial steward of VPAL’s and Harvard’s resources.
• Manage, develop, and improve key financial processes, including forecasting, budget planning, accounting, performance reporting, and long-range planning, both for VPAL as an organization and in support of Harvard’s online learning portfolio, which include courses sold through a variety of platforms and channels.
• Serve as the lead subject matter expert, supporting the design of the finance and accounting systems and processes enabling VPAL’s B2C and B2B business models.
• Aligning with and informing the strategic priorities of VPAL and working closely with the Managing Director and Vice Provost to inform resource allocation decisions.
• Working closely with Managing Director, and heads of VPALs marketing and content teams, to drive financial success of digital content by informing pricing and other product decisions.
• Analyze trends and translate financial impact to strategy and execution plan as needed.
  • Develop financial models and relevant metrics, prepare ad hoc financial and statistical analysis, and lead multi- year financial planning.
  • Lead, develop, and coach small finance team, overseeing the GL, A/R and A/P, budget, and procurement functions.
• Manage and drive key financial and business operations metrics as part of VPALs strategic planning process.
• Provide high level analysis of organizational financial drivers and with fluency in presenting data in digestible formats for schools and other stakeholders. 
• Create models to contemplate scenarios around related business and financial drivers and to evaluate new product potential.
• Support ad hoc projects and help define systems improvements to support growth.
• Develop and lead continuous improvement initiatives for key financial systems and processes.

Basic Qualifications a candidate must meet to be considered for this role:

• MBA, Master’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis and financial modeling; working knowledge of accounting principles
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools
• Experience in financial management positions with analytical responsibilities
• People management experience with an ability to mentor
• Proficiency in building and analyzing financial statements  
• Experience leading complex workstreams and cross-functional efforts such as managing a yearly planning process
• Experience in contributing to the design of enterprise systems that support financial and accounting systems, e.g., Salesforce & Certinia
• Ability to contribute to organizational values, including respect and open-mindedness
• Strong writing, presentation, and overall communication skills. Able to convey complex ideas to wide range of stakeholders
• Experience with not-for-profit organizational management concepts or practical experience in non-profit setting
• Experience with complex operations in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience with finance transformation and/or process re-engineering and improvement

• Application information: Cover letters are requested for this role. The cover letter and resume should be submitted as a combined SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab. Candidates selected for further consideration may be required to submit additional materials/writing samples and/or complete assessments or presentations as part of the hiring process. 
• Interview Process: Our interview process may include both virtual interviews via Zoom and in-person interviews. Finalist interviews will be in-person on campus
• Work Location: VPAL is a hybrid office with a combination of in-person and remote work. 
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings (Identity, Education)
• Other information : This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

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 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.