VP, Finance in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

At Harvard FCU, we believe a brighter world is possible, and that together, we can all help create it. Thats why, since 1939, weve helped our members build a strong financial future so they can make an impact in life, wherever it may lead. From students to professionals, from in-branch to online, from new beginnings to lifetime milestones, from Harvard Square to around the world, we deliver the accessible financial tools and resources everyone, everywhere needs to thrive. By coming together to serve, equip, and empower people to make a positive impact in their lives and communities, were helping build a more prosperous world for all. Join us!

Harvard FCU: https://harvardfcu.org/

The VP of Finance is a key member of the upper management team responsible for the overall integrity of Harvard FCUs financial reporting, accounting operations, and collections functions. The VP leads these teams to ensure accurate and timely financial information, strong internal controls, effective asset quality management, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The VP of Finance is a strategic partner to the CFO, supporting balance sheet management, budgeting and forecasting, and enterprise performance measurement in alignment with Harvard FCUs mission and risk appetite.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee preparation, accuracy and timeliness of financial statements/management reports (e.g. monthly, quarterly and annual financial packages)
• Ensure reporting complies with GAAP, NCUA regulations and internal policies
• Direct preparation and submission of regulatory filings (e.g. NCUA Call Reports, state and federal reports) and support examinations and audits
• Develop/maintain robust financial dashboards/KPIs to support strategic decision-making

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls

• Lead daily accounting operations (e.g. general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, investments, fixed assets, prepaid and accrual processes, and account reconciliations)
• Design, implement, and monitor internal control framework to safeguard assets, ensure data integrity and support operational efficiency
• Oversee month/year-end close processes, ensuring adherence to timelines and accuracy standards
• Manage relationships with auditors, examiners and other third parties; coordinate audits and agreed-upon procedures

Finance, Planning & Analysis

• Partner with CFO to develop annual budget, multi-year forecasts, and scenario analyses
• Provide analysis/insight into trends in net interest margin, non-interest income, operating expenses, and credit quality
• Support Asset/Liability Management (ALM) activities (e.g. analysis of interest rate risk, liquidity, funding costs, and portfolio performance)
• Contribute to pricing decisions for loans/deposits and evaluate financial impact of new products/strategic initiatives

Collections & Asset Quality

• Provide strategic leadership/oversight of collections and recovery function (e.g. policies and procedures for early/late-stage collections, repossessions, charge-offs and recoveries)
• Ensure delinquency, non-performing assets and charge-offs are managed within board-approved risk tolerances and regulatory expectations
• Oversee methodologies for the Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL), including modeling assumptions, documentation, and governance
• Collaborate with other departments to identify emerging credit risk, adjust underwriting/collection strategies, enhance portfolio quality

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams; set goals and expectations; provide regular coaching/feedback
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, ethics and service to members
• Promote collaboration between departments to support organizational goals

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure activities comply with NCUA regulations, state and federal laws and internal policies
• Participate in management and board committees
• Continuously assess and mitigate financial, operational and credit-related risks

Other Responsibilities

• Represent Harvard FCU with professionalism in forums, industry groups and vendor relationships
• Lead/support special projects and strategic initiatives

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Bachelors degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• MBA or Masters Degree in relevant field preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations
• Demonstrated experience with Financial systems and data query tools

Certificates and Licenses:

• CPA Preferred

Working Conditions: Onsite work is performed in an office setting.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

• 3 days a month onsite with 1-week WFH. Additional onsite days will be required based on business needs.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity, Prohibited Parties (OFAC - Office of Foreign Assets Control)

Other Information:

• Please provide a cover letter with your application.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

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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 Universitys 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.