SEI Controller

Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Bus pass benefit

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) seeks an experienced accounting and finance leader to become its Controller. You will direct Accounting and Business Operations, strengthen internal controls, and oversee contract financial management and billing in a highly regulated environment.

You’ll lead a team, partner with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, and Contracts, and drive process improvements, automation, and strong service delivery to support the SEI’s

Qualifications

• Progressive accounting operations leadership in a regulated environment.
• Active CPA license with strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Collaborative leader able to align teams and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with proven controls and process design.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Accounting and Business Operations.
• Strengthen internal controls and drive process documentation and efficiency.
• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team and cross-training.
• Oversee Contract Financial Management including funding, billing, and receivables.
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Travel; ensure timely service delivery.
• Partner with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, and Contracts.
• Serve as escalation point for complex accounting and contract matters.
• Identify opportunities for automation and service improvement.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Controls

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

CPA-licensed

Strategic thinking

Education

CPA license

Certified public accountant

Job description

• This position can be based in either Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA

• This position can be based in either Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA

About The Role

Are you an experienced accounting and finance leader who thrives in a complex, highly regulated environment? Do you enjoy building strong controls, developing teams, and improving financial operations while partnering across the organization to keep work moving smoothly? Are you ready to lead a critical operational function for a mission-driven organization and help strengthen the financial foundation that supports its work? If so, we want to hear from you!

As the SEI Controller at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), you'll play a critical role in leading the Accounting and Business Operations function, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring the financial integrity of the SEI's operational accounting and contract execution processes. You'll oversee key functions including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations, while partnering closely with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other internal stakeholders to support accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial operations.

What You'll Do

• Accounting and Business Operations Leadership: Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Accounting and Business Operations, including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations.
• Controls and Process Improvement: Strengthen internal controls, improve process documentation, and drive consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across accounting and business operations.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, coach, and develop team members, supporting cross-training, succession planning, and team capability to ensure continuity and growth.
• Contract Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial execution of the SEI contract, including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, revenue recognition support, and related financial recordkeeping.
• Business Operations Oversight: Oversee core business operations functions, including Accounts Payable and Travel, ensuring timely service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other stakeholders to resolve issues, align financial processes, and support effective financial administration.
• Issue Resolution and Escalation: Serve as a key leader and escalation point for complex accounting, billing, receivables, payables, travel, and contract financial matters.
• Operational Excellence: Identify and implement opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved service delivery across Accounting and Business Operations.

Who You Are

• Experienced Accounting Leader: You have significant progressive experience in accounting operations, financial controls, or accounting leadership, ideally in a government contracting, FFRDC, university-affiliated research, or similarly regulated environment.
• CPA-Qualified Professional: You hold an active CPA license and bring strong technical accounting knowledge and judgment.
• Collaborative Leader: You build strong relationships across teams, providing clear direction while working effectively with stakeholders to solve problems and move work forward.
• Control-Oriented and Detail-Focused: You value accuracy, strong controls, and thoughtful process design, and you understand how to build reliable accounting and business operations.
• Strategic and Practical: You can balance day-to-day operational needs with longer-term planning, process improvement, and team development.
• Clear Communicator: You communicate effectively with staff, leadership, and partners, making complex accounting and finance topics understandable and actionable.
• Growth-Minded: You are energized by building capability, improving systems, and creating a strong foundation for the future.

Who We Are

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Its core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect-free, within budget and on time, every time.

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

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

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

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

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