Senior Financial Analyst

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

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University\'s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in Pittsburgh seeks a Senior Financial Analyst who enjoys turning numbers into insights and partnering with leadership. You will own budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for research and operations, build dashboards, and present actionable recommendations to drive resource decisions.

This role requires 3–5 years of experience, a finance-related degree, strong Excel modeling, and the ability to translate complex data for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, or financial management.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, including advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with financial systems, reporting platforms, or business intelligence tools.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership and drive financial insight for assigned directorates.
• Analyze financial performance, identify trends and risks, and translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Evaluate funding, staffing, and workload decisions to help leaders plan resources.
• Develop financial reports, dashboards, and presentations communicating meaningful insights.
• Take ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for assigned areas.
• Facilitate monthly financial reviews with budget leads and managers.
• Support long-range planning, scenario analysis, and resource allocation decisions.
• Monitor financial performance and mitigate funding, execution, and financial risks.

Skills

Advanced Excel / Financial modeling

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting and forecasting

SAS/SQL or BI experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics

Tools

Oracle

Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) systems

Financial reporting tools / BI software

Job description

Make an impact through financial insight and partnership.

At Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI), our work supports critical national security missions through innovative research and technical expertise. Behind that work is a team of financial professionals who help ensure our people, programs, and resources are positioned for success.

We are seeking a Senior Financial Analyst who enjoys looking beyond the numbers, solving complex problems, and helping leaders make informed decisions.

As part of our Financial and Business Services (FABS) division, you will serve as a financial partner to SEI's research and operational leadership, providing the analysis, planning, and insights that support effective resource management and long-term organizational sucess.

This is an opportunity for an experienced financial professional who wants to take ownership of meaningful work, build strong partnerships, and contribute to how financial information is used to guide decisions across a complex, mission-driven organization.

What You'll Do

Partner with leadership and drive financial insight

• Serve as a primary financial resource for assigned directorates, building relationships with technical managers and leadership to understand their priorities, challenges, and financial needs.
• Analyze financial performance, identify emerging trends and risks, and translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Evaluate the financial implications of funding, staffing, and workload decisions to help leaders effectively plan and manage resources.
• Develop financial reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate meaningful insights rather than simply reporting results.

Lead financial planning and forecasting activities

• Take ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for assigned areas, ensuring financial projections reflect current business conditions and anticipated needs.
• Facilitate monthly financial reviews with technical managers and budget leads, challenging assumptions, evaluating performance, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Support long-range planning, scenario analysis, and resource allocation decisions that contribute to organizational sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance throughout the lifecycle of research programs, helping identify and mitigate funding, execution, and financial risks.

Strengthen financial practices and collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues across finance, accounting, contracts, and other business functions to support sound financial management and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Apply financial policies and applicable regulatory requirements to support accurate, consistent, and compliant financial practices.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve financial reporting, and leverage technology to enhance the quality and efficiency of financial analysis.
• Share expertise, contribute to team development, and help establish consistent, effective financial planning and reporting practices.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is analytical, curious, and comfortable working with both financial data and people. The ideal candidate can independently manage complex financial responsibilities while building relationships and helping others understand the financial implications of their decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, or financial management.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working with financial systems, reporting platforms, or business intelligence tools.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate recommendations effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in financial planning and analysis within a complex, project-based, research, higher education, or government contracting environment.
• Familiarity with federal contracting requirements, financial compliance, or cost accounting principles.
• Experience with Oracle, enterprise performance management systems, or financial reporting and visualization tools.
• Experience supporting workforce planning, resource allocation, or multi-year financial forecasting.

What Will Help You Succeed

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy understanding the story behind the numbers, asking thoughtful questions, and finding practical solutions. You should be comfortable working independently, engaging with stakeholders at different levels, and balancing attention to detail with an understanding of the bigger picture.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who recognizes that strong financial analysis is not simply about reporting what happened — it's about helping the organization make better decisions about what comes next.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting

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.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance