Principal Financial Analyst

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. This position is based onsite 5 days per week at the SEI's facility in Pittsburgh, PA.

Requirements

• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees