Senior Financial Analyst

About the role:

The Senior Financial Analyst provides hands-on financial analysis budgeting forecasting and reporting in support of SEIs research and operational activities. Reporting to the Lead Financial Analyst this role works closely with program and directorate leadership to ensure accurate financial information sound planning and strong financial stewardship in a compliance-driven environment.

The Senior Financial Analyst is actively involved in day-to-day financial activities and contributes analytical insight that supports effective decision-making across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Analysis and Reporting

• Perform in-depth financial analyses at the directorate level including variance analysis trend analysis indirect rate impacts and key performance indicators.
• Prepare analyze and contribute to financial reports dashboards and briefing materials for directorate and SEI leadership highlighting key trends risks and recommendations.
• Support the Lead Financial Analyst in reviewing program-level financial outputs to ensure consistency and accuracy in directorate reporting.

2. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process by developing directorate-level projections and validating assumptions in coordination with the Lead Financial Analyst.
• Monitor directorate financial performance throughout the fiscal year identifying variances risks and forecast adjustments.
• Support financial activities across the full lifecycle from planning through execution and closeout.

3. Financial Planning and Strategy

• Contribute to long-term financial planning efforts by analyzing trends workload assumptions and resource needs at the directorate level.
• Provide data-driven financial insights to support strategic planning scenario analysis and leadership decision-making.
• Evaluate financial implications of staffing workload or funding changes and communicate impacts clearly.

4. Team Collaboration and Development

• Serve as a senior contributor within the financial analysis team sharing best practices and supporting knowledge transfer.
• Support the Lead Financial Analyst by reviewing analyses reports or methodologies for quality and consistency.
• Promote a culture of accuracy accountability and collaboration.

5. Compliance and Risk Management

• Perform financial analyses and reporting align with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and SEI/CMU policies.
• Monitor financial data to identify compliance risks funding issues or cost trends requiring attention and elevate concerns as appropriate.
• Support risk mitigation efforts through proactive analysis and documentation.

6. Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with program staff contracts accounting and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and consistent financial information.
• Communicate financial information clearly to technical and non-financial audiences.
• Provide objective financial perspectives and recommendations to support planning and execution.

7. Process Improvement and Systems Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting analysis and forecasting through automation standardization and improved data quality.
• Utilize enterprise financial systems and reporting tools to enhance efficiency and insight.
• Participate in testing implementation or enhancement of financial systems and reports.

8. Audit and Oversight Support

• Prepare financial analyses and documentation to support internal and external audits.
• Assist the Lead Financial Analyst in responding to audit inquiries and tracking corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data used for oversight and reporting.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Finance Accounting Business Administration or a related field.
• 35 years of experience in financial analysis budgeting forecasting or related roles.
• Experience in a research nonprofit higher education government or similarly regulated environment preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with enterprise financial systems.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail accuracy and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and administrative teams.
• Strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operational needs with long-term planning.
• Adaptable and resilient in a mission-driven compliance-oriented environment.

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; its about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization! Apply today!

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