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…