"Assistant Director of Finance - Heinz College - Executive Education"

Carnegie Mellon University stands at the forefront globally in innovation, instruction, and research. Heinz College merges the School of Public Policy & Management with the School of Information Systems & Management to foster a uniquely interdisciplinary educational setting. We equip learners to harness data, technology, and analytical insight to generate meaningful outcomes.

We are looking for an Assistant Director of Finance for Heinz College Executive Education. This senior financial officer will complete fiscal management, ensure accounting accuracy, and manage strategic pricing across all programs. The role includes handling financial systems, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring programs meet CMU accounting standards while preserving strong margins and long-term financial health.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Executive Education, you will serve as the main financial contact for the Heinz College Finance Director, CMU Finance Division, and other executive education units at the university. This position involves complex analysis, extensive policy expertise, and active collaboration to aid data-informed decision-making and promote strategic development.

Core Responsibilities:

Accounting and Financial Operations (35%)

• Apply accounting practices to support accurate tracking of Executive Education revenue and expenses.
• Coordinate program schedules to align revenue recognition with CMU policies and service delivery.
• Partner with CMU Accounts Receivable to manage revenue documentation for non-eCommerce programs.
• Reconcile CashNet/eCommerce activity with Oracle financials to ensure accurate program-level reporting.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Program Infrastructure to review monthly revenue and expense activity and process adjustments as needed.
• Review instructor payments to ensure alignment with approved budgets and account structures.
• Support monthly and annual close processes.
• Prepare program-level revenue and expense summaries, including annual revenue-sharing calculations.

Financial Planning and Pricing (30%)

• Partner with Executive Education leadership to support pricing, margin, and faculty compensation decisions.
• Monitor market trends in executive and continuing education to inform pricing and cost structures.
• Analyze program margins to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Build and maintain cost models that reflect direct expenses, instructional costs, and overhead.

Budget Development and Management (25%)

• Support the annual budgeting process, including revenue and expense planning by program.
• Work with program directors to develop budgets for instruction, materials, marketing, and delivery.
• Assist with revenue forecasting for programs spanning multiple sessions or fiscal years.
• Review monthly budget variances and help prepare explanations and insights for leadership.
• Collaborate with Heinz College Finance and the Provost's Office during planning and forecast cycles.
• Contribute to financial planning for new initiatives and future growth.

Reporting, Analysis, and Systems (10%)

• Prepare regular financial reports that highlight revenue, expenses, margins, and trends.
• Develop Power BI dashboards and Excel-based tools to support program and portfolio insights.
• Run ad hoc reports from CMU financial systems (Oracle, Workday, Power BI).
• Maintain organized documentation and records in alignment with university guidelines.

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 accounting, finance, or a related field.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• At least 5 years of financial management experience, preferably in higher education, professional services, or nonprofit environments.
• Solid understanding of accrual-based accounting, revenue recognition, and reconciliation processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Oracle Financials, Power BI, and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, charts).
• Proven experience developing budgets, forecasts, and cost models across multiple programs or units.
• Outstanding attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate financial information for non-financial collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA, CMA, or Master's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in university or foundation accounting environments.
• Familiarity with executive or continuing education pricing models.

Requirement:

Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Additional information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence 3 days a week.

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.