SEI Controller

Company: Carnegie Mellon University – Software Engineering Institute

Location: Arlington, VA or Pittsburgh, PA

Clearance Required: —

Salary: Not posted

Description

As the SEI Controller at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), you’ll play a critical role in leading the Accounting and Business Operations function, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring the financial integrity of the SEI’s operational accounting and contract execution processes. You’ll oversee key functions including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations, while partnering closely with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other internal stakeholders to support accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial operations.

• Accounting and Business Operations Leadership : Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Accounting and Business Operations, including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations.
• Controls and Process Improvement : Strengthen internal controls, improve process documentation, and drive consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across accounting and business operations.
• Team Leadership and Development : Lead, coach, and develop team members, supporting cross-training, succession planning, and team capability to ensure continuity and growth.
• Contract Financial Oversight : Oversee the financial execution of the SEI contract, including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, revenue recognition support, and related financial recordkeeping.

This position can be based in either Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA

Requirements

• Experienced Accounting Leader : You have significant progressive experience in accounting operations, financial controls, or accounting leadership, ideally in a government contracting, FFRDC, university-affiliated research, or similarly regulated environment.
• CPA-Qualified Professional : You hold an active CPA license and bring strong technical accounting knowledge and judgment.
• Collaborative Leader : You build strong relationships across teams, providing clear direction while working effectively with stakeholders to solve problems and move work forward.
• Control-Oriented and Detail-Focused : You value accuracy, strong controls, and thoughtful process design, and you understand how to build reliable accounting and business operations.
• Strategic and Practical : You can balance day-to-day operational needs with longer-term planning, process improvement, and team development.