Senior Business Administrator - College of Engineering - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Carnegie Mellon's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is seeking a Senior Business Administrator to manage the department's day-to-day finance, accounting and business operations. Working closely with the Senior Director of Finance & Operations, and acting for them in their absence, you will build budgets and forecasts, lead labor planning and project accounting for a research-intensive department, run the purchase order and effort certification processes, and supervise the department's Administrative Coordinator. This role suits someone who wants to grow into senior academic business leadership.

Carnegie Mellon's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is seeking a Senior Business Administrator to manage the department's day-to-day finance, accounting and business operations. Working closely with the Senior Director of Finance & Operations, and acting for them in their absence, you will build budgets and forecasts, lead labor planning and project accounting for a research-intensive department, run the purchase order and effort certification processes, and supervise the department's Administrative Coordinator. This role suits someone who wants to grow into senior academic business leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

Budget, Planning and Reporting

- Prepare budgets, forecasts and exhibits for the University Financial Review; lead monthly variance reviews with the Senior Director.
- Assist the Senior Director in providing decision support to the Department Head and leadership: annual reports, State of the Department, faculty hiring and space scenarios.
- Assist the Senior Director in building and maintaining leadership dashboards on research funding, expenses and staffing (CIT Tableau, Power BI, Excel).
- Build and manage Oracle EPM budgets across all funding sources (operating, gift, endowment, internal and sponsored); produce department roll-up reports.

Research Finance

- Lead labor planning on sponsored awards: labor distribution forecasts and salary planning across PI awards, and monthly account reports and forecasts for faculty, with the Accelerator handling other post-award work.
- Manage project accounting in Oracle: set up and maintain project/task (PTA) structures for department, gift and internal funds; monitor project balances and encumbrances; reconcile project-level activity to department reports.
- Own the department's effort certification process in the new system; the Senior Director certifies.
- Acts as one of CEE's liaisons to the Research Accelerator and attend RAC and College research administration meetings.
- Review and approve proposals and budgets in the Senior Director's absence.

Accounting, Controls and Compliance

- Own the purchase order process: initiate POs for Senior Director approval, clear encumbrances and maintain PO procedures. Approve purchase requests and expense reports in the Senior Director's absence.
- Oversee and approve cost transfers (PDAs, APRs) and journal entries; manage internal awards; analyze AY salary return.
- Approve financial transactions when needed or in absence of Sr Director.
- Reconcile financial statements to project-level reports and correct as needed.
- Manage accounting and reporting for CEE student organizations.

People and HR Operations

- Supervise Administrative Coordinator.
- Serve as CEE's Workday department initiator for regular staff, fixed term staff, research staff and adjunct hiring, may include visa coordination with OIE.

Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration.
- Three to five years of progressive experience in business administration, finance and accounting, preferably at a research university.
- Working knowledge of sponsored research finance and federal rules (Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200), including effort reporting.
- Experience building budgets and forecasts across multiple funding sources.
- Advanced Excel; experience with Oracle Financials, Workday and a BI tool such as Tableau or Power BI.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and strong analytical skills.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

- MBA, CPA, CMA or CRA (or progress toward one).
- Experience at CMU or a peer academic department; knowledge of SPARCS and CMU policies.
- Track record of process improvement or automation.
- Experience supervising or leading staff.

Requirements:

- Successful background check.

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
Business Administration and Services
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:

- Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
- Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
- Statement of Assurance