SEI Controller

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

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 direction and operational leadership; improves controls, documentation, consistency, accuracy, and efficiency; and leads team development, cross-training, and succession planning. It oversees financial execution of the SEI contract—including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, revenue-recognition support, and financial recordkeeping—as well as Accounts Payable and Travel. The Controller serves as an escalation point for complex financial and operational issues and identifies opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved 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 relationships across teams, provide clear direction, and work with stakeholders to solve problems.
Attention to accuracy, strong 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in government contracting, an FFRDC, a university-affiliated research organization, or a 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 promote consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across accounting and business operations.
Lead, coach, and develop team members, supporting cross-training, succession planning, continuity, and team capability.
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 to ensure timely service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Partner with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other stakeholders to resolve issues, align financial processes, and support effective financial administration.
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 across Accounting and Business Operations.