Business Manager: Financial Operations & Post-Award Grant Management - OVPR

Carnegie-Mellon-University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement benefits

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University seeks a detail-oriented Business Manager to support day-to-day financial operations and post-award grant activities, bridging financial planning, transaction processing, and compliance with sponsor obligations.

The role reports to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Budget and offers opportunities to contribute to CMU’s research enterprise with scope across budgets, reporting, and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field.
• Five years of experience in financial analysis and/or grant management.
• Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SAP, Oracle).
• Strong knowledge of grant compliance and federal/state regulations (e.g., 2 CFR, OMB Circulars).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-Day Financial Operations: create and initiate processes to process financial transactions accurately and timely.
• Analyze financial data and trends to provide insights on performance, profitability, and cost management.
• Prepare regular financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior management, highlighting KPIs and variances.
• Track and monitor financial performance against budgets, identifying and addressing variances.
• Post-Award Grant Management: manage grant-related expenses, ensuring proper documentation and reimbursement processes.
• Maintain accurate grant accounting records and reconcile grant balances.
• Prepare and submit required grant reports, compliance documents, and financial statements to funders and internal auditors.
• Monitor grant funds for compliance with award terms, regulations, and donor requirements.

Skills

Financial analysis

Grant management

Budgeting

Reporting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here! The Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR) oversees the university-wide strategic initiatives and operational functions of CMU’s research enterprise and associated top-ranked technology transfer and startup activities, which span the university’s seven academic colleges and its more than 100 research institutes and centers. OVPR leadership and staff work across the university to develop strategic external partnerships; build interdisciplinary teams; and connect researchers with the tools, expertise and resources they need to advance ambitious work from funding and development to innovation and impact. We would love for you to join our team! We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical Business Manager to support both the day-to-day financial operations of the organization and the management of post-award grant activities. This role will bridge financial planning, transaction processing, and compliance with grant requirements, ensuring accurate reporting, efficient budget management, and adherence to all regulatory and sponsor obligations. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Budget and offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to CMU’s research enterprise and institutional excellence.

Core Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Financial Operations

• Create and initiate processes to process financial transactions in an accurate and timely manner.
• Analyze financial data and trends to provide insights on performance, profitability, and cost management.
• Prepare regular financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior management, highlighting KPIs and variances.
• Track and monitor financial performance against budgets, identifying and addressing variances.
• Actively participate in finance team meetings providing feedback and ideation.

Post-Award Grant Management

• Manage grant-related expenses, ensuring proper documentation and reimbursement processes.
• Maintain accurate grant accounting records and reconcile grant balances.
• Prepare and submit required grant reports, compliance documents, and financial statements to funders and internal auditors.
• Monitor grant funds for compliance with award terms, regulations, and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with program managers to align financial reporting with project milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (finance, operations, compliance, program management) to ensure alignment on financial and grant-related goals.
• Identify process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in both operational and grant management areas.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in financial analysis and/or grant management.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of grant compliance and federal/state regulations (e.g., 2 CFR, OMB Circulars).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with nonprofit, government, or research grant funding.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit processes, and compliance frameworks.
• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.

Requirements

• Successful background check.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

• comprehensive medical
• prescription
• dental
• vision insurance
• generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• tuition benefits
• paid time off and observed holidays
• life and accidental death and disability insurance
• free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• family concierge team to help navigate childcare needs
• fitness center access
• and much more

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training.

We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location Pittsburgh, PA.

Job Function Business Administration and Services.

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.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of Assurance

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If your heart is in your work, come work with us.

Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet.

When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all.

No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve.

In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect.

Come join the architects of what’s next.