Financial Analyst, Senior

Turn financial data into decisions that move missions forward. Join a team partnering with executive leadership to modernize budget planning, improve execution tracking, and ensure resources align with critical science priorities.

Join FWI in supporting NOAA's research mission at the executive level! This Financial Analyst, Senior, position offers a unique opportunity to shape and improve financial management processes across NOAA's premier research organization. You'll work directly with OAR executive leadership to develop innovative budget tracking systems, streamline internal fund transfers, and enhance financial reporting across multiple research laboratories and programs.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Hybrid: This full-time hybrid position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST, with 80% at 1335 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Responsibilities

Fiscal Evaluation, Coordination, and Strategic Planning

• Support OAR Executive Leadership's goal for more comprehensive budget planning and tracking across the organization
• Plan and provide recommendations for developing an internal budget tracking system that meets executive leadership needs
• Develop and implement new processes for Functional Management Centers (FMC) to share budget plans and execution rates with CFO on a regular cadence
• Create processes to track spending related to specific science priorities and mission areas
• Evaluate historic transfers between FMCs and make determinations on what can be allocated at time of allotment
• Design and implement new allocation system/calculation based on historic transfer patterns
• Analyze "must-pays," overheads, and assessments across the organization
• Evaluate "must-pays" amounts for each FMC and determine if each can cover requirements with base appropriations
• Evaluate overhead calculations for each FMC and determine if more standardization is needed
• Analyze OAR Headquarters assessment rates on FMCs and determine if changes are needed
• Analyze direct bill receivables within OAR and their function; determine if OAR should recommend changes in direct bill amounts/purposes to the CFO Council
• Identify and implement processes to streamline and improve financial management
• Identify priority Budget Execution System (BAS) challenges and elevate through Deputy Assistant Administrator to NOAA CFO

Inter-Agency and Internal Process Improvement

• Analyze Inter-Agency-Agreement process, including challenges, best practices, and steps to implement improvements
• Coordinate and meet with FMC leadership to develop new processes and standardize templates for internal proposals, workplans, and reporting
• Implement recommendations on internal transfers to improve efficiency
• Analyze carryover processes to ensure funds flow back through the same path they were distributed
• Develop service level agreement template and process for internal fund transfers
• Coordinate and advance recommendation to combine Laboratory and Cooperative Institute Program Project Activities (PPA)
• Work with FMCs to identify solutions to better track budget execution
• Develop recommendations to improve efficiency of tracking and reporting on internal funds transfers

Budget Execution Reporting and Analysis

• Plan and conduct a comprehensive lessons-learned ("Hotwash") of fiscal year 2025 budget execution with FMCs and CFO staff
• Develop processes to improve execution tracking and alignment with organizational goals
• Develop status report templates and run monthly status reports for each FMC to indicate their fiscal execution relative to their plan
• Provide summary of execution status to the OAR Executive Leadership Team (ELT) each month
• Evaluate OAR financial systems and allocations; develop new processes to streamline transfers
• Analyze overhead rate assessments and recommend adjustments as needed
• Implement process to track spending related to specific mission areas and science priorities
• Monitor and report on budget execution trends, risks, and opportunities
• Prepare briefings and presentations for executive leadership on budget status and recommendations

Stakeholder Coordination and Communication

• Coordinate regularly with Functional Management Center leadership and CFO staff
• Facilitate meetings and discussions with multiple stakeholders to gather requirements and build consensus
• Present findings, recommendations, and reports to OAR Executive Leadership Team
• Work collaboratively with laboratory directors, program managers, and administrative staff
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences
• Build and maintain productive working relationships across the organization

Task Order Management Support

• Participate in project meetings, including kick-off meetings, status check-ins, and progress reviews
• Prepare monthly status reports documenting activities, progress, risks, and planned work
• Track action items and follow through on commitments
• Communicate proactively about schedule delays, risks, or issues to COR and government Technical Lead
• Maintain accurate records of project activities and deliverables
• Coordinate with COR for onboarding, system access, and administrative requirements

Qualifications

Required:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of work-related experience in budget analysis, financial management, or fiscal operations
• Demonstrated experience with federal budget execution and appropriations management
• Proven track record of developing and implementing financial processes and systems
• Experience analyzing complex financial data and developing strategic recommendations
• Experience coordinating with senior leadership and multiple stakeholders on financial matters
• Strong background in budget planning, tracking, and reporting

Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, data analysis, financial modeling)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Suite
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Strong written communication skills, including ability to prepare executive-level reports and briefings
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable recommendations
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities
• Strategic thinking and ability to see "big picture" while managing details
• Collaborative approach and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders

Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of federal budget processes, including appropriations, allotments, and execution
• Knowledge of federal financial management regulations and policies
• Understanding of overhead calculations, cost allocation, and assessment methodologies
• Familiarity with internal controls and financial accountability requirements

Clearances & Training:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain required federal security clearances
• Must obtain Common Access Card (CAC) identification
• Must complete NOAA IT Security Awareness Training within three days of receiving credentials and annually thereafter
• Must pass background investigation for federal facility access
• U.S. work authorization required

Desired:

• Experience working with NOAA, Department of Commerce, or other federal agencies
• Familiarity with federal budget processes and financial management systems
• Experience with Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs)
• Knowledge of Program Project Activities (PPA) structure
• Background in process improvement initiatives
• Experience presenting to executive leadership

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Pay Range

$50-$54/hr