SEI Controller

About the Role

As the SEI Controller at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), you'll play a critical role in leading the Accounting and Business Operations function, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring the financial integrity of the SEI's operational accounting and contract execution processes. You'll oversee key functions including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations, while partnering closely with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other internal stakeholders to support accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Accounting and Business Operations Leadership: Provide strategic direction and operational leadership for Accounting and Business Operations, including Contract Financial Management and Business Operations.
• Controls and Process Improvement: Strengthen internal controls, improve process documentation, and drive consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across accounting and business operations.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, coach, and develop team members, supporting cross-training, succession planning, and team capability to ensure continuity and growth.
• Contract Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial execution of the SEI contract, including funding administration, contract accounting, billing, receivables, cash activity, revenue recognition support, and related financial recordkeeping.
• Business Operations Oversight: Oversee core business operations functions, including Accounts Payable and Travel, ensuring timely service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Planning & Analysis, University Accounting, Contracts, and other stakeholders to resolve issues, align financial processes, and support effective financial administration.
• Issue Resolution and Escalation: Serve as a key leader and escalation point for complex accounting, billing, receivables, payables, travel, and contract financial matters.
• Operational Excellence: Identify and implement opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved service delivery across Accounting and Business Operations.

Requirements

• Experienced Accounting Leader: Significant progressive experience in accounting operations, financial controls, or accounting leadership, ideally in a government contracting, FFRDC, university-affiliated research, or similarly regulated environment.
• CPA-Qualified Professional: Active CPA license with strong technical accounting knowledge and judgment.
• Collaborative Leader: Builds strong relationships across teams, providing clear direction while working effectively with stakeholders to solve problems and move work forward.
• Control-Oriented and Detail-Focused: Values accuracy, strong controls, and thoughtful process design, and understands how to build reliable accounting and business operations.
• Strategic and Practical: Balances day-to-day operational needs with longer-term planning, process improvement, and team development.
• Clear Communicator: Communicates effectively with staff, leadership, and partners, making complex accounting and finance topics understandable and actionable.
• Growth-Minded: Energized by building capability, improving systems, and creating a strong foundation for the future.

About the Organization

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Its core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect-free, within budget and on time, every time.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Tuition benefits
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Access to Family Concierge Team for childcare needs
• Fitness center access

Location: Arlington, VA or Pittsburgh, PA | Job Function: Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting | Position Type: Staff – Regular | Schedule: Full time