Senior Financial Analyst - Finance Division

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Carnegie Mellon University’s Finance Division provides financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research and strategic goals of the university.  By providing data, insight, and analysis, we assist leadership and the university community in the financial decisions that fulfill its mission while maintaining a position of financial strength.
 

This Senior Financial Analyst role will report to the Director, FP&A and is responsible for the collection, compilation, interpretation and analysis of internal and external financial data in order to support university-wide budgeting and strategic operational decisions.  Partnering closely with individuals across the university as well as liaise with multiple levels of management, the successful incumbent will analyze financial data and provide interpretive results on a wide array of budget and financial planning areas. We are seeking candidates that thrive in a working environment encompassing both individual and team projects and a desire to promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Passion, flexibility, commitment to excellence, and cultural sensitivity are vital qualities within the Finance Division and CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Serve as a key financial business partner and change management agent between several University units and the Budget and Financial Planning Office. Serve as a support role in communicating and setting planning expectations, understand unit financials/trends and collaborate with unit leads on a routine basis.
• Regularly monitor, evaluate and analyze operating and capital performance against budget and forecast.
• Perform forecasting, scenario analysis and modeling using analytical skills as part of the overall university budget process.
• Own several key forecast processes and work to improve, streamline and report on a recurring basis.  Evaluate and assist in the formulation of budget policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Analyze financial data and extract relevant information in order to make interpretations based on past performance/trends in order to develop accurate projections. Present findings and implications to various management teams.
• Participate in the development of advanced modeling on highly visible, university-wide projects including short and long-term financial planning, capital project spending, expense analysis, and unit-level performance.
• Assist management in designing, building and fact-checking key deliverables to a diverse audience of senior leadership stakeholders.

You should demonstrate:

• Exhibit intellectual curiosity and ability to quickly develop deep understanding of financial systems and chart of accounts structure.
• Make logical assumptions, identify trends, draw conclusions, explain variances, and implement operational improvements.
• Self-motivated, ambitious problem solver with excellent financial competence and drive.
• Provide valuable decision support which promotes the University’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail—experience with AI and data visualization tools such as Power BI is a plus. 
• Possess strong business acumen with outstanding verbal and communication skills
• Adaptable in managing multiple projects and priorities; deadline driven.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Business, Finance, or Accounting
• At least 3-5 years of progressive financial analysis experience
• Candidates from both inside and outside higher education will be considered
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon

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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