Vice President of Finance – Strategy, Innovation & Execution (SIE)

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.

In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.

We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.

HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.

This position will be a hybrid work arrangement. You will receive 18 remote workdays per quarter to use at your discretion, subject to manager approval. For example, you may choose to work in the office 4 days per week and take one remote day weekly (typically 13 weeks per quarter), leaving 5 additional remote days to be used as needed.

Role Summary 

The Vice President of Finance for SIE is a senior leader responsible for financial strategy, modeling, and execution across HarbourVest’s innovation-led product portfolio. Operating across two portals—FP&A and SIE—this role serves as the single point of contact for all financial inputs related to new and existing products. The VP will lead financial modeling, total cost of operation analysis, forecasting, and performance tracking, ensuring financial discipline and transparency from concept through launch and into long-term monitoring. This role requires a strong accounting foundation, the ability to project manage complex financial workflows, and the agility to operate at both strategic and granular levels. The VP will monitor cost versus revenue, fund targets, and Fee Related Earnings (FRE), while engaging cross-functionally to inform movement along the J-curve. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, works independently, and brings a banking mindset with the polish and presence to present confidently to the Board. 

Key Responsibilities 

Product Financial Ownership 

• Serve as the single point of contact for all financial inputs related to SIE-led products, including new launches, refreshes, and strategic initiatives. 

• Build and maintain financial models that support product economics, pricing, and profitability. 

• Monitor and inform movement along the J-curve, providing insights to leadership and stakeholders. 

• Track and analyze total cost of operation across product lines. 

Strategic Planning & Forecasting 

• Lead financial planning and analysis for SIE initiatives, aligning forecasts with enterprise strategy and product roadmaps. 

• Review and monitor revenue targets, fund-level economics, and Fee Related Earnings (FRE). 

• Develop dynamic models to support long-term growth planning and scenario analysis. 

Cross-Functional Engagement 

• Partner with Product Strategy, Product Development, Investor Relations, Distribution, and Corporate Finance to ensure financial alignment across functions. 

• Engage with stakeholders across the firm to gather inputs, validate assumptions, and drive execution. 

Board & ELT Communication 

• Prepare and present financial materials for ELT and Board-level discussions, including product economics, investment cases, and strategic updates. 

• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for senior audiences. 

Budgeting & Resource Allocation 

• Manage SIE’s operating budget and resource allocation across product teams, marketing, and enablement functions. 

• Track spend against strategic priorities and ensure financial discipline across initiatives. 

Process Excellence & Infrastructure 

• Implement scalable financial infrastructure and tools to support innovation and growth. 

• Champion continuous improvement in financial workflows, reporting, and decision support. 

Leadership & Talent Development 

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team within SIE, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, independence, and strategic impact. 

• Mentor junior finance professionals and cross-functional collaborators, promoting career development and internal mobility. 

Ideal Candidate Profile 

• 15+ years of experience in financial strategy, FP&A, or product finance roles within private equity, asset management, or investment banking. 

• Proven success in building financial models and supporting complex product launches and strategic initiatives. 

• Strong accounting background with experience in total cost analysis, revenue tracking, and fund-level economics. 

• Deep understanding of private markets structures, investment economics, and regulatory frameworks. 

• Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels, with comfort navigating ambiguity and change. 

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and present to the Board. 

• Experience working independently and managing competing priorities across matrixed environments. 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling; familiarity with enterprise planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, Adaptive Insights) preferred. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or CPA preferred.