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Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. The Neuroscience Institute is where groundbreaking discoveries in brain science, artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology come to life. We are currently seeking a **Finance Manager** to join the team. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Finance Manager provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for the financial and accounting functions within the Neuroscience Institute (NI). Reporting to the Executive Director of the Neuroscience Institute, the manager serves as a key strategic partner to the NI Executive Director, NI Director, Mellon College of Science (MCS) Associate Dean of Finance and unit leadership, providing financial insight and scenario analysis to shape and guide resource allocation and long-term planning.

The manager is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day oversight of the unit's financial planning, analysis, and budgeting functions. This position plays a critical role in aligning financial strategy with the unit's academic and research mission aligned with both college and institutional priorities. The manager leads the development of the unit’s multi-year budgets, manages forecasting and financial performance analysis, and provides data-driven insights to inform senior leadership decision-making. Serving as a strategic business partner to the Dean’s Office, the manager assesses and advises on the financial implications of key business decisions, strategic initiatives, and long-term goals.

In conjunction with the Associate Dean for Finance of the college, this role oversees the preparation of financial models and forecasts to evaluate performance against budgets forecasts and strategic plans, while ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with institutional objectives. The manager may lead and develop a team of finance professionals responsible for budget development, revenue planning, and compliance, fostering collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders. Through effective leadership, performance management, and continuous process improvement, the manager ensures sound financial stewardship, supports strategic resource allocation, and drives a culture of financial accountability and excellence across the unit.

Core Responsibilities:

+ Develop complex forecasting and financial models to assess financial performance across all areas of the unit, including but not limited to: revenue and expenses, restricted accounts, endowment funds, scenario modeling, and other key financial initiatives. Advise the Executive Director, Director, Associate Dean for Finance and Dean on strategic priorities for short, medium, and long-term goals and objectives.

+ Partner with the Institute’s Sponsored Research Administrator to ensure efficient financial management and effort charging/certification throughout the lifecycle of grants, in close partnership with the University’s central research support units.

+ Drive a disciplined approach to financial reviews, planning, forecasts and analysis that supports both near-term operational needs and long-term strategic goals. Partner with Associate Dean for Finance in the formulation, monitoring, and reporting of the unit’s financial results.

+ Supervise the Institute’s Financial Assistant.

+ Communicate financial results, trends, and implications clearly and effectively to senior leadership **—** translating complex financial data into actionable insights that inform decision-making and resource allocation.

+ Assess process gaps, identify needs, and implement improvements in efficiency and execution.

+ Collaborate with colleagues and partners to collect and leverage financial and operational data for developing financial models (including predictive insights) and dashboards in Tableau, Power BI, and other analytical tools, effectively telling the unit’s financial story to the Dean, Office of the Provost, Budget Office, and other key stakeholders. Drive results through effective collaboration with in-person and remote teams using cloud-based communication and workflow tools.

+ Build strong cross-functional partnerships across academic departments and administrative units—including HR, Research, Facilities, and IT—to ensure financial plans and forecasts reflect accurate, complete, and timely information across respective cost centers.

+ Ensure compliance with university accounting policies, GAAP standards, regulatory requirements, and sponsor regulations.

+ Manage month, quarter, and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses.

+ Ensure payroll (including faculty summer salaries and sponsored research commitments), tax, and receivable transactions are processed in accordance with university requirements.

+ Produce accurate and timely financial statements and reports for college and university leadership.

+ Coordinate with grant and contract accounting, including pre-award budget review, post-award expense tracking, effort reporting, and closeout.

+ Serve as a trusted advisor to unit and college leadership on finance and accounting matters, translating academic and research priorities into sustainable financial strategies.

+ Perform other projects and duties as assigned to support the operational, financial, and strategic objectives of the Neuroscience Institute.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s Degree in finance or related field required. Master’s Degree preferred.

+ 5-8 years of relevant work experience in finance, accounting, or business administration required.

+ Previous experience in higher education, human resources, and/or management preferred.

+ Excellent communication and project management skills.

+ A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

**Requirements** :

+ Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html)** **as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , 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 (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities)** **,** **and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html)** **.

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:

+ Please visit **“Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ”** to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

+ Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

+ **Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity** **Employer/Disability/Veteran** .

+ Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/system-guides/external-applicants/job-alerts.pdf) through your candidate profile.

**If your heart is in your work, come work with us.** Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-3930.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)