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Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University · 4 days ago

Principal Financial Analyst - 2023992

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

5+ years exp

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Principal Financial Analyst to manage and guide financial activities that support its mission as a federally funded research and development center. This role involves leading a team of financial analysts, performing financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic financial planning while ensuring compliance and effective communication with stakeholders.

ComputerCyber SecurityEducationSoftware

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Hiring Manager

Bill Scully

Responsibilities

Oversee and perform in-depth financial analyses, including variance analysis, rate projections, and key performance indicators

Prepare, review, and present regular financial reports and dashboards for SEI senior management and stakeholders, highlighting key trends, risks, and recommendations

Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for assigned programs, partnering with program directors and managers to ensure accurate projections and financial alignment

Manage the full financial lifecycle from initial budget development through execution, monitoring, and closeout

Develop and maintain long-term financial plans that align with SEI’s strategic and operational objectives

Provide data-driven insights and financial guidance to senior leadership to inform strategic decisions and resource allocation

Supervise and mentor a team of financial analysts, setting priorities, reviewing work, and fostering professional development

Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and collaboration across the financial team

Ensure adherence to OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and SEI contract requirements

Monitor expenditures and cost allocations to ensure compliance with sponsor regulations, federal guidelines, and institutional policy

Identify and mitigate financial risks through proactive analysis and control processes

Partner with internal stakeholders across program, contracts, and accounting functions to ensure coordinated financial management

Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-financial audiences

Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and reporting through automation, standardization, and systems enhancements

Contribute to ERP and financial system upgrades or integrations to support evolving business needs

Coordinate team responses to internal and external audit requests

Develop and monitor corrective action plans as necessary

Qualification

Financial analysisBudgetingForecastingExcel proficiencyLeadership experienceEnterprise financial systemsAnalytical skillsProblem-solving skillsInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsAttention to detailStrategic thinkingAdaptability

Required

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, budgeting, or forecasting — ideally within a research, nonprofit, higher education, or FFRDC environment

Demonstrated leadership experience with direct supervision or mentorship of financial staff

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with deep understanding of financial management principles

Strong proficiency in Excel and experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, etc.)

You will be subject to a background investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and administrative teams

Strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operational needs with long-term planning

Adaptable and resilient in a mission-driven, compliance-oriented environment

Company

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University

Glassdoor4.2

At the SEI, we research complex software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering problems; create and test innovative technologies; and transition maturing solutions into practice.

Founded in 1984

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

501-1000 employees