Director of Accounting Operations - Dietrich College

Applicants, please be aware that this position is a fixed-term position set initially for a 1-year duration with a possibility of extending beyond the original duration.

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our outstanding institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce versatile alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university’s creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration

From creative writing to statistics and data science, behavioral economics to social and political history, Dietrich College is home to 11 humanities and sciences departments, programs and institutes. Our world-class faculty and students work across subject areas to investigate and solve real-world problems.

We are seeking a Director of Accounting Operations. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the financial and accounting functions within the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, the Director oversees all aspects of accounting operations, including financial transactions, reconciliations, compliance, internal controls, and fiscal reporting.

This role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the college’s financial records and serves as a key liaison between Dietrich College and the university’s central Finance Division. The Director will lead efforts to enhance financial processes, strengthen internal controls, and support data-informed decision-making in alignment with the college’s academic and research mission.

Accounting Oversight and Financial Integrity

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations for all Dietrich College departments, centers, and programs.
• Ensure compliance with university accounting policies, GAAP standards, regulatory requirements, and sponsor regulations.
• Manage month quarter and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Manage the Procure-to-Pay function, ensuring the college’s vendor relationships and invoices are managed timely and in compliance with university policy.
• Ensure payroll (including faculty summer salaries and sponsored research commitments), tax, and receivable transactions are processed in accordance with university requirements.
• Produce accurate and timely financial statements and reports for college and university leadership
• Collaborate with FP&A to develop models for indirect cost recovery and support college financial sustainability.

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity.
• Partner with university Controller and finance leadership and teams to maintain strong financial stewardship, controls and compliance practices.
• Coordinate with grant and contract accounting, including pre-award budget review, post-award expense tracking, effort reporting, and closeout.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors to ensure audit readiness and resolution of findings.

• Identify and execute initiatives to streamline accounting processes and enhance operational efficiency, leveraging technology and best practices to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead or support the college implementation of financial systems, tools, and automation initiatives in conjunction with the finance division.
• Champion the use of data analytics and business intelligence to translate data into actionable insights for cross function teams.
• Collaborate with the Budget and Financial Planning teams to ensure data consistency and process integration across systems (e.g., Workday, Oracle, Tableau).
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and service delivery.
• Financial Planning and Decision Support
• Provide operational and analytical support to the Chief Business Officer and Director of FP&A for financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
• Assess resource utilization and staffing models to align operations with evolving organizational needs.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Business Officer, Dean’s Office, and department heads on accounting matters translating academic and research priorities into sustainable financial strategies.
• Provide analytical support and financial insight for audits, facilities projects, space utilization, grants management, and special projects.
• Coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs on post-award financial management for research activity.

• Supervise and mentor accounting and business operations staff within the college.
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and recognize achievements.
• Promote professional growth, accountability, and service excellence within the finance team.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Dietrich College. Collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent financial certification preferred
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in accounting or financial operations
• 5-7 years of management experience
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate credibility and build collaborative partnerships across academic, administrative, and central university functions
• Proven experience developing, mentoring, and retaining a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and service excellence
• Demonstrated mastery in managing complex accounting operations, including financial close cycles, reconciliations, transaction processing, and compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High proficiency with advanced Excel functions, financial systems (such as Workday or Oracle), data analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau), and automation technologies
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

• Successful background investigation

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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