SEI Controller

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The SEI Controller leads the Accounting and Business Operations function at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), strengthening internal controls and ensuring the financial integrity of operational accounting and contract execution processes. The role oversees Contract Financial Management and Business Operations and partners with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other stakeholders to support accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial operations. The position provides strategic and operational leadership; improves controls, process documentation, consistency, accuracy, and efficiency; and leads team development, cross-training, and succession planning. It oversees SEI contract financial execution, including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, revenue-recognition support, and related financial recordkeeping. It also oversees Accounts Payable and Travel, resolves or escalates complex financial matters, and identifies opportunities for automation, standardization, and better service delivery. The SEI advances software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. It works with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to improve software-intensive systems.

Requirements

Significant progressive experience in accounting operations, financial controls, or accounting leadership.
Active CPA license.
Strong technical accounting knowledge and judgment.
Ability to build strong relationships across teams, provide clear direction, and collaborate with stakeholders to solve problems.
Strong focus on accuracy, internal controls, and thoughtful process design.
Ability to balance day-to-day operational needs with longer-term planning, process improvement, and team development.
Effective communication with staff, leadership, and partners, including the ability to make complex accounting and finance topics understandable and actionable.
Ability and interest in building capability, improving systems, and creating a strong operational foundation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a government contracting, FFRDC, university-affiliated research, or similarly regulated environment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Accounting and Business Operations, including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations.
Strengthen internal controls, improve process documentation, and drive consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across accounting and business operations.
Lead, coach, and develop team members, including supporting cross-training, succession planning, continuity, and team growth.
Oversee financial execution of the SEI contract, including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, revenue-recognition support, and financial recordkeeping.
Oversee Accounts Payable and Travel, ensuring timely service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Partner with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and align financial processes.
Serve as a leader and escalation point for complex accounting, billing, receivables, payables, travel, and contract financial matters.
Identify and implement opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved service delivery.