Senior Financial Operations Specialist

Position Overview

The Senior Financial Operations Specialist provides comprehensive financial management and cost estimating support across the Directorate. The role includes budget formulation and management, cost analysis, Earned Value Management (EVM) support, financial reporting, and advisory services to senior leadership and program managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist senior financial managers with program integration, budgeting, cost analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, and financial programming.
• Review obligations, expenditures, reimbursable orders, and allotment requests for compliance with annual financial plans.
• Support budget formulation and management throughout the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Prepare reports on fund status and advise program managers on fund availability.
• Provide data entry support for systems such as AFRL Enterprise Business System (EBS) and Comprehensive Cost and Requirements System ( CCaRs ).
• Perform life cycle cost vs. mission effectiveness assessments and develop detailed cost estimates to support program decisions, risk analysis, and sustainment planning.
• Provide on-site support for Earned Value Management, including Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) planning, training, and performance analysis of contract reports (CPRs, C/SSR, CFSR, CCDR).
• Assist with contract CDRLs creation, Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) dictionary development.
• Apply knowledge of DoD and Air Force financial management policies and regulations (DoDD 5000.1, DoDI 5000.02, AFI 65 series, AFMC instructions, DFAS guidance).
• Design, maintain, and improve financial management systems, work methods, and program budgets.
• Serve as a recognized expert in cost estimating, analysis, and EVM for AFRL/RQ.
• Lead complex analyses using mathematical, statistical, econometric, and scientific methods.
• Develop and train analysts in cost modeling and analytical frameworks.
• Attend meetings, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, technology development, and support systems.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 13 years of experience in financial management, cost estimating, and Earned Value Management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Clearance.
• Strong expertise in DoD financial regulations and budgeting processes.
• Proficient in financial systems such as EBS, CCaRs , and contract performance reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to train and mentor junior analysts.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance , Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field required.