Principal Financial Analyst

Position Overview: As a Principal Financial Analyst at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), you will play a critical role in managing and guiding financial activities that support the Institute’s mission as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. This position combines hands-on financial analysis with team leadership responsibilities, ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and strategic value of SEI’s financial operations.
 

You will lead a small team of financial analysts, collaborate with program directors and technical staff, and serve as a key liaison between SEI’s financial planning team, program leadership, and Carnegie Mellon University’s central finance offices.
 

Key Responsibilities:
 

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• 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.
   

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• 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.
   

Financial Planning and Strategy:

• 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.
   

Team Leadership and Development:

• 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.
   

Compliance and Risk Management:

• 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.
   

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

• 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.
   

Process Improvement and Systems Optimization:

• 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.
   

Audit and Oversight Support:

• Coordinate team responses to internal and external audit requests.
• Develop and monitor corrective action plans as necessary.

Qualifications:

• 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.).
   

Personal Attributes:

• 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.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More 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