Chief Financial Officer

03-Jan-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

63780BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean for Administration and Finance and in close partnership with other senior leaders, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads the financial management and strategic financial planning efforts of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) in support of its teaching, learning, and research mission.

Position Description

The CFO has direct responsibility for the overall financial management of the FAS including accountability for the school’s $1.6 billion operating budget, fiscal policies and procedures, efficiency and effectiveness of financial systems, and fiscal compliance and control.  

The CFO is also directly responsible for the development and maintenance of financial models, and, in collaboration with partner offices, the development and implementation of financial strategies in support of all facets of strategic planning for the FAS, including overall long-term financial sustainability, tuition, and fee setting, financial aid, sponsored funding and research, fundraising, risk management, facilities and capital planning, faculty planning, and staff workforce planning.  The CFO is also responsible for collaboration within the FAS and across the University on key strategic initiatives such as space planning, faculty planning, and financial sustainability.

The CFO serves as a key advisor and partner to the Dean for Administration and Finance, and as a senior administrative leader in the FAS, has the opportunity to make a significant impact by improving operational efficiencies and enhancing processes and technology to support FAS.  The CFO also serves as the leader of the financial management community in the FAS and will have the opportunity to build and support that community.

The CFO also represents the FAS within the Harvard community, including faculty, students, alumni, and university leadership.  This role is expected to convene diverse groups to inform the approach to addressing financial challenges facing the FAS and university-wide financial management and policy matters. The CFO represents the school at the university level on committees that consider financial policies, investments in information technology, and facilities and program development. Through interaction with university-level leaders, the CFO facilitates the implementation of operational improvements in the areas of budgeting, planning, forecasting, and financial and management reporting. In addition, the FAS CFO works collaboratively with the university CFO on a wide range of strategy, operations, and compliance issues.

The CFO collaborates with fundraising staff to explain the finances of the FAS to staff, alumni, and donors, and to translate elements of strategic planning into fundraising initiatives.

The CFO provides direct leadership to the FAS Controller and Budget Director, and a total staff of approximately 30 professionals.  Responsibilities of the Controller include the creation and maintenance of financial systems/procedures, payrolls, general accounting, and interim and year-end closings.  Responsibilities of the Budget Director include development of budget and spending policies, leadership of the annual budget process, regular and ad hoc analyses of budgetary trends, budget performance reporting, and support for financial leadership in departments as needed.  As a manager, the CFO is expected to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, high-performing professional staff.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required
• 10+ years of experience with progressive financial management responsibility required
• Leadership & supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-related skills, experience, and competencies are preferred:

• Experience in a university, research facility, or academic medical center with working knowledge of sponsored program administration
• Advanced knowledge of financial principles and familiarity with technologies that impact financial functions as well as the overall operation and strong acumen in business analytics with a focus on deliverables.
• M.B.A., C.P.A., or expertise in fund accounting or other relevant technical areas, such as accounting for endowments, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a “thought partner” to senior leaders, adding value beyond the strict definition of the position; able to advise “beyond the math” on financial and strategic issues and build a succinct business case in relevant terms for each audience, balancing rigor, structure, and effectiveness.
• Proven success inspiring, developing, and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, service-minded team.
• Approach work with meticulous attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills

• The following cultural competencies are also preferred:
• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based differences within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
• Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Working Conditions

Hybrid office environment - This position will be based in Cambridge, MA and there is an expectation of 2-3 workdays per week on campus.  Individual flexible and hybrid work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information

A cover letter is encouraged as part of your application.

We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

FN0062 Financial Administration Dir

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Administration and Finance

Department

FAS Office of Finance

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.