Senior Controller — Financial Operations & Internal Controls

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an experienced accounting and finance leader to guide Accounting and Business Operations, strengthen internal controls, and ensure financial integrity of contract execution.

As SEI Controller, you will lead the Accounting and Business Operations function, oversee Contract Financial Management and Business Operations, and partner with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, and Contracts to support accurate,

Qualifications

• Significant progressive experience in accounting operations or leadership.
• Active CPA license with strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Collaborative leader building relationships across teams.
• Control-oriented with attention to detail and process design.
• Strategic yet practical, balancing daily needs with long-term plans.
• Clear communicator with staff, leadership, and partners.
• Growth-minded, focused on capability building and system improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Accounting and Business Operations, including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations.
• Strengthen internal controls and improve process documentation for consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members with cross-training and succession planning.
• Oversee the financial execution of the SEI contract, including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, and related recordkeeping.
• Oversee core business operations functions, including Accounts Payable and Travel; ensure timely service delivery.
• Collaborate with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other stakeholders to align financial processes.
• Serve as escalation point for complex accounting, billing, receivables, payables, travel, and contract matters.
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation and standardization across Accounting and Business Operations.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Internal controls

Team leadership

Contract accounting

Billing & receivables

Accounts payable

Cross-functional partnership

Education

CPA license

Job description

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an experienced accounting and finance leader to guide Accounting and Business Operations, strengthen internal controls, and ensure financial integrity of contract execution.

As SEI Controller, you will lead the Accounting and Business Operations function, oversee Contract Financial Management and Business Operations, and partner with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, and Contracts to support accurate,