Carnegie Mellon University

Business Manager: Financial Operations & Post-Award Grant Management - OVPR

Carnegie Mellon University$80K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field.
  • Five years of experience in financial analysis and/or grant management.
  • Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools.
  • Strong understanding of grant compliance and federal/state regulations.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Combination of education and meaningful experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

  • Create and initiate processes to accurately process financial transactions.
  • Analyze financial data to provide insights on performance and cost management.
  • Prepare financial reports and presentations for senior management.
  • Track financial performance against budgets and address variances.
  • Manage grant-related expenses and maintain accurate accounting records.
  • Coordinate with program managers to align financial reporting with project milestones.
  • Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
  • Tuition benefits for ongoing education.
  • Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
  • Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
  • Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass and fitness center access.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical Business Manager to support both the day-to-day financial operations of the organization and the management of post-award grant activities. This role will bridge financial planning, transaction processing, and compliance with grant requirements, ensuring accurate reporting, efficient budget management, and adherence to all regulatory and sponsor obligations.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Budget and offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to CMU's research enterprise and institutional excellence.

Core Responsibilities:
Day-to-Day Financial Operations
  • Create and initiate processes to process financial transactions in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Analyze financial data and trends to provide insights on performance, profitability, and cost management.
  • Prepare regular financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior management, highlighting KPIs and variances.
  • Track and monitor financial performance against budgets, identifying and addressing variances.
  • Actively participate in finance team meetings providing feedback and ideation.


Post-Award Grant Management
  • Manage grant-related expenses, ensuring proper documentation and reimbursement processes.
  • Maintain accurate grant accounting records and reconcile grant balances.
  • Prepare and submit required grant reports, compliance documents, and financial statements to funders and internal auditors.
  • Monitor grant funds for compliance with award terms, regulations, and donor requirements.
  • Coordinate with program managers to align financial reporting with project milestones.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (finance, operations, compliance, program management) to ensure alignment on financial and grant-related goals.
  • Identify process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in both operational and grant management areas.


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, Accounting, Business or related field.
  • Five (5) years of experience in financial analysis and/or grant management.
  • Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SAP, Oracle).
  • Strong understanding of grant compliance and federal/state regulations (e.g., 2 CFR, OMB Circulars).
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.


Preferred Experience:
  • Experience with nonprofit, government, or research grant funding.
  • Knowledge of internal controls, audit processes, and compliance frameworks.
  • Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.


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

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that was founded in 1900. The university is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is known for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Carnegie Mellon has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The university has a strong focus on research and has partnerships with a number of companies and organizations. Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
Learn more about Carnegie Mellon University
Size
14,000 employees
Industry

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