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Grace
Shin
Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
Harvard University
Grace Hannah Shin is the Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at Harvard Library and Harvard College Library, where she oversees financial planning, budgeting, and strategic financial analysis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, before relocating to the Boston area in 2007, when she began her career at Harvard University. Having never imagined that she would spend nearly two decades at Harvard, let alone build a career in finance with a political science degree, Grace has enjoyed discovering the complexities, opportunities, and unique culture of one of the nation’s oldest universities. With a natural curiosity and a drive to continually challenge herself, she has participated in Harvard’s Administrative Fellowship and Focused Leadership Program and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Professional Accounting at Syracuse University. Outside of work, Grace is a longtime distance runner who began running in high school, has completed multiple marathons, and enjoys traveling and bringing people together.
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29 October 2026 09:45 - 10:15
The story behind the numbers: why understanding the business matters
Effective FP&A begins with curiosity about what the numbers represent: the people, priorities, and decisions that shape an organization. Technical skills provide a foundation, but understanding the business and communicating its financial story are essential to becoming a trusted strategic partner. In this session, Grace Hannah Shin, Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for Harvard Library and Harvard College Library, shares how an unconventional career path shaped her approach to finance and leadership. Through key career moments and practical examples, she explores how asking thoughtful questions, building organizational knowledge, and presenting financial information clearly can strengthen decision-making and expand an FP&A professional’s influence. Participants will leave with practical ways to connect financial analysis to organizational priorities, communicate a compelling story behind the numbers, and take greater ownership of their professional growth.