Make an impact through financial insight and partnership.
At Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI), our work supports critical national security missions through innovative research and technical expertise. Behind that work is a team of financial professionals who help ensure our people, programs, and resources are positioned for success.
We are seeking a Senior Financial Analyst who enjoys looking beyond the numbers, solving complex problems, and helping leaders make informed decisions.
As part of our Financial and Business Services (FABS) division, you will serve as a financial partner to SEI's research and operational leadership, providing the analysis, planning, and insights that support effective resource management and long-term organizational sucess.
This is an opportunity for an experienced financial professional who wants to take ownership of meaningful work, build strong partnerships, and contribute to how financial information is used to guide decisions across a complex, mission-driven organization.
What You'll Do
Partner with leadership and drive financial insight
- Serve as a primary financial resource for assigned directorates, building relationships with technical managers and leadership to understand their priorities, challenges, and financial needs.
- Analyze financial performance, identify emerging trends and risks, and translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Evaluate the financial implications of funding, staffing, and workload decisions to help leaders effectively plan and manage resources.
- Develop financial reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate meaningful insights rather than simply reporting results.
Lead financial planning and forecasting activities
- Take ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for assigned areas, ensuring financial projections reflect current business conditions and anticipated needs.
- Facilitate monthly financial reviews with technical managers and budget leads, challenging assumptions, evaluating performance, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Support long-range planning, scenario analysis, and resource allocation decisions that contribute to organizational sustainability.
- Monitor financial performance throughout the lifecycle of research programs, helping identify and mitigate funding, execution, and financial risks.
Strengthen financial practices and collaboration
- Collaborate with colleagues across finance, accounting, contracts, and other business functions to support sound financial management and responsible stewardship of resources.
- Apply financial policies and applicable regulatory requirements to support accurate, consistent, and compliant financial practices.
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve financial reporting, and leverage technology to enhance the quality and efficiency of financial analysis.
- Share expertise, contribute to team development, and help establish consistent, effective financial planning and reporting practices.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is analytical, curious, and comfortable working with both financial data and people. The ideal candidate can independently manage complex financial responsibilities while building relationships and helping others understand the financial implications of their decisions.
Required qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, or financial management.
- Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience working with financial systems, reporting platforms, or business intelligence tools.
- Ability to interpret complex financial information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate recommendations effectively.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in financial planning and analysis within a complex, project-based, research, higher education, or government contracting environment.
- Familiarity with federal contracting requirements, financial compliance, or cost accounting principles.
- Experience with Oracle, enterprise performance management systems, or financial reporting and visualization tools.
- Experience supporting workforce planning, resource allocation, or multi-year financial forecasting.
What Will Help You Succeed
You will thrive in this role if you enjoy understanding the story behind the numbers, asking thoughtful questions, and finding practical solutions. You should be comfortable working independently, engaging with stakeholders at different levels, and balancing attention to detail with an understanding of the bigger picture.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who recognizes that strong financial analysis is not simply about reporting what happened — it's about helping the organization make better decisions about what comes next.
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!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and ReportingPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, or financial management
- Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience with financial systems, reporting platforms, or business intelligence tools
- Ability to interpret complex financial information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate recommendations effectively
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently
- Experience in financial planning and analysis within a complex, project-based, research, higher education, or government contracting environment
- Familiarity with federal contracting requirements, financial compliance, or cost accounting principles
- Experience with Oracle, enterprise performance management systems, or financial reporting and visualization tools
- Experience supporting workforce planning, resource allocation, or multi-year financial forecasting
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
