The Financial Analyst provides hands-on financial analysis and operational support across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance activities in support of SEI’s research and operational portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, this role supports accurate financial execution and informed decision-making in a federally funded research environment.

Responsibilities span core financial analysis as well as effort and labor operations, with workload balanced across these areas based on business needs. The role is designed to build strong foundational skills in financial analysis, compliance, and systems within a federally funded research environment.
 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Analysis and Reporting

• Prepare and analyze financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, variance analyses, and trend reporting.
• Monitor financial performance against plans and funding constraints and provide interpretive insights.
• Develop financial summaries and analyses to support leadership decision-making.

2. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities, including compiling inputs and validating assumptions.
• Support forecasting and scenario analysis to inform planning and resource decisions.

3. Effort, Labor & Timekeeping

• Support effort reporting and labor cost accuracy, including reconciliation of labor charges and processing of related journal entries.
• Monitor bi-weekly time entry and approval for hourly staff and follow up as needed.
• Coordinate with systems and finance partners to resolve effort or timekeeping issues.

4. Compliance & Financial Stewardship

• Ensure financial activities comply with Uniform Guidance, FAR, CAS, and SEI/CMU policies.
• Maintain documentation and support audit and compliance activities.

5. Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with finance, systems, HR, and program staff to ensure accurate and consistent financial information.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial and effort-related processes and reporting.

6. Additional Financial Support

• Support personnel-related financial activities, including PTO reconciliation for separating staff and review of relocation-related transactions.
   

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 1-3 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.
   

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and administrative teams.
• Analytical thinker who can balance detailed, day-to-day execution with an understanding of broader financial objectives.
• 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; it’s 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!

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: