Senior Financial Analyst

About the role:

The Senior Financial Analyst provides hands-on financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting in support of SEI’s 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 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.

employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including as well as a generous with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with , take well-deserved breaks with ample and observed , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our to help navigate childcare needs, , and much more!