The Senior Accounting Manager reports to the Associate Director of Accounting and is a key member of the CSFA leadership team. This role provides oversight to the accounting teams responsible for real estate accounting and Campus Services–wide accounting deliverables. The Senior Accounting Manager ensures strong internal controls and full compliance with GAAP, University and Campus Services accounting policies, and applicable federal and state 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 Senior Accounting Manager collaborates with a wide range of university partners, including (but not limited to) Harvard University Housing & Real Estate, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Controller, CS Financial Planning & Analysis, the Tax Office, and Information Technology, to address complex accounting issues and align stakeholders.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Talent Strategy & Development
- 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.
Accounting Technology Strategy & Automation
- 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.
Operational & Financial Accounting, Controls & Process Improvement
- 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.
Working Conditions
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.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
- Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- CPA or MBA preferred.
- Progressive accounting and finance experience, with a significant focus on real estate.
- A proven people leader with at least 3 years of management experience preferred
- Experience in real estate accounting required. 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 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.
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, CORI, References
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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 059. 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.
