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This position is responsible for managing and analyzing key financial information and data for various departments of the SEI. This position is accountable for timely and accurate financial data, reporting and analysis. The financial information managed, developed and analyzed is a key and essential element in the overall financial management of the SEI as a whole. This position would administratively report to the Manager of Accounting and Reporting and maintain a reporting relationship with upper management, business managers, FA's and program accountants, as well as our sponsor, AZS.

The incumbent would be responsible for overseeing and contributing to multiple processes across the SEI landscape such as working with Financial Services FA's and accountants to maintain detailed records on funding received from customers through AZS. The analysis provided includes, but is not limited to, overspent charge string reallocations, new charge string creations and Oracle award setups. This position is also responsible for collaborating with business managers for the preparation of cost estimates for prospective project work plans, variance analysis of object code discrepancies for CMU, month end closing responsibilities, government invoicing of customers current project work plans, and government audit compliance. This position also contributes to the development of financial metrics that are applied across the SEI.

The Senior Accountant performs complex accounting activities in accordance with accounting principles and standards to control the organization's financial resources and ensure that it complies with all relevant regulations, laws and reporting requirements.

This position will provide professional-level administrative and fiscal support within a post-award sponsored project accounting environment and be responsible for proactively managing the associated functions.

The senior accountant will coach less experienced sponsored project accountants and help them resolve problems.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

• Strong analytical, reasoning and problem solving abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP accounting principles

• Enterprise-wide financial systems

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting and discussing interpretive reports

Duties:

• Prepare official cost estimate for business managers for be included as a critical component of the PWP package that is provided to government customers and the SEI's Sponsor.

• Review and process requests from FA group to maintain funding for PTAs (charge strings) in Oracle, which includes:

  • Creation of new projects/awards in compliance with University's procedures, CAS, and sponsor regulations.

  • Funding of PTA's

  • Funding moves between PTA's

  • Income Transfers/Cost Shares entries

  • Tracking funding and contract CLIN start/end dates
    

• Have open communication with Hanscom and OSD personnel on SEI questions about funding, invoicing, and processes.

• Validate funding documents received at Hanscom from customers to ensure all details needed are present and funding falls under the PWP ceiling.

• Provide Business Managers/key stakeholders on PWP's information about new funding received.

• Review funding Mod's received and update all required information when funding is placed on contract

• Maintain all files associated with MDR and assist in creation of MDRs to be sent to customers.

• Prepare, examine, report and analyze MDR's and amounts billed to the government to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines ensuring accuracy.

  • Reconcile MDR reports against Oracle GM reports, Funding-Booking, government invoicing file and the Unbillable Record to verify that correct amount is invoiced to the government. Perform causal analysis for any discrepancies that are discovered.
    

• Prepare and analyze month end reporting across various documents, reports and charts for managers, directors and business managers that will assist them in revitalizing SEI Division Strategies, some of which include:

  • SEI Personnel to CMU PTA vs. CMU Personnel to SEI PTA

  • Sponsored Project Funding monthly reconciliation
    

• Research and analyze expenditures, Open Account Receivable, Unearned Revenue, and Unbilled Receivable to ensure compliance with University financial requirements and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, reasoning and problem solving abilities

• Have the ability to work closely with all levels of personnel inside and outside the SEI

• Be well organized and possess strong planning and problem-solving skills

• Demonstrate a high level of motivation and team orientation

• Most normal duties and responsibilities are handled independently

Desired Experience:

• BS in Finance, Accounting or related field required; MBA preferred

• 5 to 8 years of accounting or financial analysis experience

• Prior experience in higher education is strongly preferred

• Oracle experience preferred

CMU's COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. The most up-to-date information on CMU's COVID-19 mitigation requirements can be found here: Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus.

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