Finance and Data Manager

Posting date: March 20, 2026

002453SR

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Cambridge
3. School/Unit: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
4. Department: Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
5. Salary Grade: 056
6. Job Function: Finance
7. FLSA Status: Non-exempt
8. Term Appointment: No
9. Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

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 the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE), the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (PMAE). To learn more about HMSC's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website https://hmsc.harvard.edu/

Reporting to the Director of Administration, the Finance & Data Manager is responsible for HMSC’s finance, budget, and data reporting. The position works closely with the Director of Administration and the Executive Director to develop and monitor HMSC’s annual budget and maintain the consortium’s complex financial reporting framework. The role also collaborates with HMSC’s many stakeholders, including internal department directors, partner museum administrators, and central University officials, to develop and manage departmental budgets and fulfill reporting requirements. Funding includes gifts, endowments, University subvention, other unrestricted, and sponsored funds. The position also serves as the primary manager for HMSC’s visitor and programmatic data collection and curation, interfacing with HMSC stakeholders and external organizations, including the New England Museum Association and the American Alliance of Museums. As a key role in the administrative office, the Finance & Data Manager will participate in meetings and committees to support HMSC’s strategic plan. Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Annual Budget, Forecast Processes, Fiscal Year-End Close

• Works with HMSC’s Administrative and Executive Directors, as well as HMSC department directors and partner museum leaders, to prepare the annual budget, forecast, and long-range planning cycles through data preparation, consolidation, and scenario analysis
• Manages fiscal year-end closing procedures in partnership with the Administrative Director and Finance & IT Analyst

Budget Monitoring & Financial Reporting

• Provides monthly monitoring and analyses of accounts to ensure expenses align with University policy, contract, and/or government regulations and are within budget limits and timelines, and develops plans for contingencies as necessary
• Prepares complex and varied financial reports (including ad hoc reports) for use in museum planning and decision-making
• Independently develop and oversee accounts in the University’s financial system, monitor balances, and reconcile accounts monthly
• Interprets and administers appropriate University and sponsored research fiscal policies, and advises HMSC leadership and staff on best practices
• Prepares pre-award budgets for HMSC departments in support of grant proposals
• Prepares post-award grant reports as required by sponsors

Data Management

• Creates and reviews data analysis for museum admissions, shop sales, and inventory analysis, education program tracking, exhibits, and others as needed for use in planning and decision making
• Partner with department directors to understand their information needs and translate them into precise data requirements and reporting solutions
• Integrates data from a variety of query tools and reporting systems, including HART, HUBS, PeopleSoft, eCRT, GMAS, and HMSC Point of Sale (POS) and Outbound reservation systems.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual data tasks and improve efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of budget-related data

Payroll Support

• Prepare and monitor various reports, including monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payroll

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in an office environment.
• Ability to work overtime during peak periods as needed.
• This primarily on-site position will be based in Cambridge, MA, with at least four days per week on campus.

Physical Requirements: Intensive computer work with repetitive motion (typing and mouse)

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of related finance/accounting experience
• Previous experience in non-profit accounting
• Experience with financial systems, including using Macros, Power Query, and Power BI, or similar tools.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting or equivalent field preferred
• Experience developing and monitoring budgets
• Strong written and oral communication, analytical thinking, and resourceful problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to manage deadlines
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as related to all areas of finance, policy, and department administration
• Experience using PeopleSoft, automated Point-of-Sale, and database systems is a significant plus
• Experience using Harvard and Faculty of Arts and Sciences financial applications (HUBS, GMAS, Aurora) desirable

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere near the midpoint of the salary range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal

Other Information:

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment, including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• Applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.
• This position is subject to criminal and identity background checks.
• FAS Human Resources will make all formal written offers.

#LI-CK1

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 056. 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.