Senior Business Administrator - College of Engineering - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, prescription, &

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings with employer match

Tuition benefits

Generous paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh seeks a Senior Business Administrator to manage day-to-day finance, accounting and business operations for the CEE department. You will build budgets, forecast, lead labor planning, and supervise staff, supporting research-driven activities and strategic decisions.

The role requires budgeting expertise, proficiency with Oracle/EPM, Workday and BI tools, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration.
• Three to five years of progressive experience in business administration, finance and accounting.
• Working knowledge of sponsored research finance and federal rules.
• Experience building budgets and forecasts across multiple funding sources.
• Advanced Excel; experience with Oracle Financials, Workday and a BI tool such as Tableau or PowerBI.

Responsibilities

• Budget, Planning and Reporting: prepare budgets, forecasts and exhibits for the University Financial Review; lead monthly variance reviews.
• Provide decision support to the Department Head and leadership on annual reports and space scenarios.
• Develop leadership dashboards on research funding, expenses and staffing using Tableau, Power BI and Excel.
• Build and manage Oracle EPM budgets across funding sources and produce department roll-up reports.
• Lead labor planning on sponsored awards and salary planning across PI awards; provide monthly account reports.
• Manage project accounting in Oracle; monitor balances and reconcile activity to reports.
• Own the department’s effort certification process and act as liaison to Research Accelerator.
• Oversee PO process, approve requests, manage cost transfers and journal entries; supervise staff.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration

Tools

Oracle Financials

Workday

Tableau

Power BI

Excel

Job description

About Carnegie Mellon University

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!

Position Overview

CarnegieMellon's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is seeking a Senior Business Administrator to manage the department’s day-to-day finance, accounting and business operations. Working closely with the Senior Director of Finance & Operations, and acting for them in their absence, you will build budgets and forecasts, lead labor planning and project accounting for a research-intensive department, run the purchase order and effort certification processes, and supervise the department’s Administrative Coordinator. This role suits someone who wants to grow into senior academic business leadership.

Core Responsibilities

• Budget, Planning and Reporting Prepare budgets, forecasts and exhibits for the University Financial Review; lead monthly variance reviews with the Senior Director.
• Assist the Senior Director in providing decision support to the Department Head and leadership: annual reports, State of the Department, faculty hiring and space scenarios.
• Assist the Senior Director in building and maintaining leadership dashboards on research funding, expenses and staffing (CIT Tableau, Power BI, Excel).
• Build and manage Oracle EPM budgets across all funding sources (operating, gift, endowment, internal and sponsored); produce department roll-up reports.
• Research Finance Lead labor planning on sponsored awards: labor distribution forecasts and salary planning across PI awards, and monthly account reports and forecasts for faculty, with the Accelerator handling other post-award work.
• Manage project accounting in Oracle: set up and maintain project/task (PTA) structures for department, gift and internal funds; monitor project balances and encumbrances; reconcile project-level activity to department reports.
• Own the department’s effort certification process in the new system; the Senior Director certifies.
• Acts as one of CEE’s liaisons to the Research Accelerator and attend RAC and College research administration meetings.
• Review and approve proposals and budgets in the Senior Director’s absence.
• Accounting, Controls and Compliance Own the purchase order process: initiate POs for Senior Director approval, clear encumbrances and maintain PO procedures.
• Approve purchase requests and expense reports in the Senior Director’s absence.
• Oversee and approve cost transfers (PDAs, APRs) and journal entries; manage internal awards; analyze AY salary return.
• Approve financial transactions when needed or in absence of Sr Director.
• Reconcile financial statements to project-level reports and correct as needed.
• Manage accounting and reporting for CEE student organizations.
• People and HR Operations Supervise Administrative Coordinator.
• Serve as CEE’s Workday department initiator for regular staff, fixed term staff, research staff and adjunct hiring, may include visa coordination with OIE.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration. Three to five years of progressive experience in business administration, finance and accounting, preferably at a research university. Working knowledge of sponsored research finance and federal rules (Uniform Guidance, 2CFR200), including effort reporting. Experience building budgets and forecasts across multiple funding sources. Advanced Excel; experience with Oracle Financials, Workday and a BI tool such as Tableau or PowerBI. Excellent written and verbal communication and strong analytical skills. A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA, CPA, CMA or CRA (or progress toward one). Experience at CMU or a peer academic department; knowledge of SPARCS and CMU policies. Track record of process improvement or automation. Experience supervising or leading staff.

Requirements

Successful background check.

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.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Job Alerts

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts through your candidate profile.

Invitation

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

About The Institution

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.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Student Employment. Please see Faculty Careers.

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072.